Kids

11/26/07 - For the past 2 school days, Jack has left school crying because Nico Brougham couldn't come home with us after school. Both he and Nico were there with coats on looking at me like "aren't you going to take both of us". So, I finally told Jack that I would call Nico's Mom. As soon as we got home, he was on me to call her. I called her and we decided that I'd bring him home the Monday after Thanksgiving. Well, the kids were off for 5 days and Jack asked every day if it was time yet. Finally, it was time! I picked Jack and Nico up from school and they just came home and played. Jack really enjoyed it and wanted to know if he could come back tomorrow!

12/4/07 - Jack has been asking to stay at after-school daycare for a couple weeks now. I finally decided to let him try it! So, today, he took his lunch (jelly sandwich, Cheetos, chocolate pudding and a juice box) and was prepared for the day. He was VERY excited. I picked him up at 4:10pm and he was playing away. He was happy to see me and said he was ready to stay again soon. We decided he'd stay every Tuesday since that's when his friend Colton Pence from his class stays. He's getting too big!!

12/6/07 - Well, Jack is one popular boy! Last night, Grant Shoulders' Mom called me and asked if Jack could go home with Grant and Nico Brougham today. Jack was very excited. She picked all 3 boys up from school and took them home to play until about 2pm. She's brave! He said he had a good time. Apparently they played charades because he keeps wanting to play that!

12/8/07 - Abby got a babydoll from Emily for Christmas. When I asked Ally what her name was, Ally said "Ashley"! She has an Ashley in her ballet class so I guess that's where she heard that name!!

The girls have been potty training. The best thing for them is to leave them naked from the waist down and the little potty chair in the living room. They are peeing very good and Ally has pooped quite a few times.

Abby calls Santa "Ho Ho".

Ally is becoming quite the tattle-tell.

Jack is practicing for his Christmas program in which I believe he has a pretty big part!

Ally's still doing great in ballet class. She loves it!

We're going to Nashville for Devyn's tournament this weekend. We're going to go to the hotel, etc to see the Christmas displays.

Gas leak scare!

We had a pretty scary weekend at the house this past weekend. Jack and I were playing "Chutes and Ladders" in the living room and I was laying on the floor by the fireplace. Suddenly I noticed the smell of gas, so I opened the fireplace doors and smelled around here there, but didn't smell anything. I finally smelled the little valve in the floor and that's where it was coming from. I called Vectren and told them about it and the lady on the phone took all of my information then told me she was going to "read some safety precautions to me." It went something like this: "Do not turn on any appliances... Do not turn off any appliances... Do not light any candles... Do not turn on or off any lights... Do not answer the phone... Do not hang up the phone... Grab your cell phone and get your family out of the house immediately. Good bye." Needless to say, I was TERRIFIED! Missy was in the shower, the girls were taking a nap, and Jack was laying on the couch watching TV!!!

Well, we chilled out for about 20 min. and then Vectren arrived. The guy went in and checked the valve on the floor, and sure enough, we had a gas leak! He told me all he had to do was "make the situation safe" and turn off our gas, but that would mean we'd have no heat and no hot water until we could fix the problem! So I asked him if there was any way he could just turn off the gas to the fireplace since we never used it. He said maybe there's a valve on the pipe that leads to the fireplace and if so, you could shut it off there. So I said, "OK, that sounds great!" So he said, "OK, go under the house and check it out!" And I said, "Huh? Isn't that your job???" And he said, "Uh no. That's YOUR job!" YIKES!

The guy looked just like Santa Clause and was very funny. He kept telling me everything I needed to do to fix it. He was talking about plugs, unions, nipples, check values, etc. and I finally stopped him and said, "I'm sorry. I have no idea what your talking about." He looked at me real funny and said, "What line of work are you in anyway?" I said, "Computers." He said, "OK, that explains it!"

So anyway, I had to put on the coveralls and crawl under the house to check out the gas pipes.. I was pretty scared going down there b/c I'm not crazy about going under the house anyway, but I was VERY nervous going under there with a gas leak. Unfortunately, there was no valve on that pipe so he had no choice but to shut off the main gas supply to the house... We were going to the RC Christmas Party that night and Mom was supposed to come over to our house to watch the kids, so it was a very hectic afternoon trying to sort all that out. We ended up taking the kids to Lori's house so she could watch them and then spending the night there too.

Greg came over the next morning and helped me (actually, he did all the work!) put a plug on the pipe that goes to the fireplace. There was a "union" there (I finally learned what that means through all this) so all we had to do was disconnect it at the union and screw in a plug. It was pretty scary working down there knowing there was stray gas in the area, but everything worked out great and we got the gas back on in a couple of hours. Jack even went down there with us and he was pretty proud of himself!

Ally-speak

Ally is doing such a great job talking and it is sooo cute watching her learn how to put words together. We got this email from Lori today:

I forgot to tell you...the other night when I had the kids....I had a really bad belly ache. So, I kicked back in the recliner, I had my shirt up, and was rubbing my belly.....well, Ally would come over to me and say..."NO RI-RI....SHIRT DOWN!!" So, I said you dont like my belly. I said, Dylen is in there...and she goes..."BELLY SCARE ME!!!!!!"

I also heard her say her first 4-word sentence yesterday: "Jack Hit Face Me" !!!

Precious!

Kids

Well, Miss Ally finally started dance class at Acros. She was SOOOOOO cute! Although, she was the only one without tights, ballet shoes and even leg warmers!! I thought I'd be in there with her but all the parents went out to watch through the window so I left her in there. I wanted to cry but she was smiling so much and waving. She tried so hard and did exactly what the teacher told her to do. About half way through, they put on these pink fluffy tutus and she was so proud. She tip-toed around and loved it!! I can't wait to take her back!

The last 2 times I've picked up Jack, he's wanted to bring Nico Brougham home with us. I finally told him that I would call his Mom. So, yesterday, I called his Mom and asked her if Nico could come home with us next Monday. Jack is so excited!!

Abby isn't doing much. She's as quiet as a mouse and loves to unfold and organize the washclothes and PJ's on the changing table. She's also facinated with all their ponytail holders.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and we're going to the circus on Sunday. Jack is also exciting about decorating for Christmas. Should be a fun weekend!!

Missy

While Jeff was gone to the Colts game (he'll write later), Jack went to Grant McAtee's house and went golfing and Kyla came to watch the girls. Nothing much to report but it was the first time we've ever used a teenage babysitter!

Today is my 35th birthday and I think this one is harder than turning 30. Life is just flying by too fast...

Camping is over too!

Finally done camping this year...we went to Scales for Halloween weekend and it was pretty cold...not as cold as Lake Rudolph was last year but still a little too cold for me! The kids had a great time. Now, we have a list of things to do like clean out the camper, clean up the camper and winterize it. Jeff is also taking it to get a hitch put on the back for transporting the scooter and bikes. It was definitely a better summer with the new camper!

Now that the trees are down, the fence guy is coming Saturday to estimate a new fence.

Mom and Lori and I are going to lunch and to get her registered on Sunday. Jeff is going to be gone to the Colts/Patriots game with his brother and Mom (he'll write more about that later!) so Jack is going to go to Grant McAtee's house to play golf, etc and Kyla Butts is going to come over and watch the girls for the first time.

The kids loved Halloween. Jack was an Army Man and the girls were Colt's cheerleaders. They all looked so cute! Both girls are candy freaks but Abby won't stop saying 'Un canny"!!

Both girls are talking ALOT!

Jack is still in love with Avery!

I'm working a ton of hours so gotta go!

Soccer's over!

Last Saturday was Jeff and Jack's last soccer game. It was cold! Jack didn't score any goals but had a GREAT block in front of the other team's goal. After the game, the league had a trophy ceremony. It was quick but very nice. Jeff did a great job handing out the trophies to his Purple Team. The trophies were nice and big and the kids loved them! After the game (and after we got home from camping!), Jeff got a very nice email from Anna's Mom...

"Kyle and I just wanted you to know that Anna had a great time learning and> playing soccer. She has had fun and is excited about playing again next year! She can't stop talking about her trophy! Thanks again for your dedication. Dottie and Kyle Merris. PS good luck next year."

Jeff did do a great job!!

So many updates!

Jack:
Sunday, August 26 - We had a bicycle birthday party for Jack at Audubon Park in Henderson. I handmade the invitations to look like wheels. Jeff and I went early to set up. It had been sooo hot that week but we were VERY lucky to get a break that day. Jeff put together a great obstacle course for the kids including cones, street signs, a basketball goal, a slide and a tunnel. It was perfect! We had black and white balloons and checked flags everywhere. When Mom got there with Jack, he ran as fast as he could to see everything. He was so excited!! We only invited 12 kids and it ended up being perfect. After making nameplates for their bikes, they just rode and rode the whole time. He got a new tent from Grandma, clothes and toys. He had an awesome party!

Tuesday, August 28 - we went to Chuck-E-Cheese's for my family's dinner with Jack. He got new cleats from us and a lantern from Grandma and Papaw. Again, he had a great time!

Wednesday, August 29 (his actual bday!) - Jack took cupcakes to school to celebrate. When I went to pick him up, he had on a bday hat and sticker and a birthday bag full of stuff! That night, we had Jeff's family over to celebrate. He got a new soccer goal from G&B, a baseball game from Grammie and a guitar from us. I'd say he had one awesome bday!!

Monday, September 17 - Jack had his 5 yr checkup. He weighed 49 lbs (80th%) and was 43.5 (60th%) inches tall! He's grown 4.5 inches in one year!! He's easily wearing a 5/6 in clothes and a size 11.5-12 shoe. He had a really good appointment with Dr. Cochran until he was done and said "he gets 3 vaccinations". YIKES! I thought he would get them next time but since he will start kindergarten before he turns 6, they wanted to do them now. I talked to him about it while waiting for the nurse and the nurse explained everything to him. He was good through all that. She told me to hold his hands because kids his age tend to try to grab her hands. So, I held tight. He didn't try moving but just cried his little heart out. then he got his finger poked. He had a rough time. I felt so bad for him. We immediately went to the gas station and got him some Airheads and Bug Juice! His asthma is flaring up so he's now taking 2 inhalers. He's not getting any better though.

Jack is still LOVING school. They did 2 weeks of a different color each day so that was fun and now they are working on the alphabet. We've been to Mayse Farm already and he's having a great time. He asks every day if he gets to go to school today. On Saturdays and Sundays, he gets upset because it's not a school day. What a difference! There's only one issue with school...he's in love! All he talks about is Avery Fisher. He says she's his girlfriend. He talks about her non-stop. On Monday, Oct. 1, they walked to McCullough Library to talk about street safety, etc. Well, when I went to pick him up that day, Mrs. Wheatley said to me "You have a lover boy on your hands". I just laughed. She said "Today was a very romantic day and I have pictures to prove it!". When we were in the van, Jack said "today I was holding Avery's hand but my teachers told me to let go." Great!!! It's so funny! I guess we'll see if this romance lasts until May!! :-)

Abby:
Monday, August 27 - Abby started tumbling class at Acros. She absolutely LOVES it! Her favorite thing is the trampoline but she likes everything else too. Jeff went once and took pictures and they were so cute. Neither one of us realized how much she smiled during the class until we saw the pictures. Mom and Dad came once and Lori came once. They all loved watching her! She's now running down the tall balance beam, pulling her toes up while hanging from the parallel bars, and hanging from her knees. She can do a somersault and a head stand. And, she looks adorable in her leotard!! She's perfect for this. Her teacher, Miss Katie, says
that she's always surprised how strong she is! After she's done with this in November then Ally will start dance.

Abby has had a couple haircuts and looks so cute. She's got a little bob and it makes her look like a teenager!

Friday, September 21 - The girls had their 2 yr checkup. Abby weighed 23 lbs 7 oz (10th%) and was 33.5 inches (45th%). She's so tiny! She ran circles around Dr. Cochran so he could definitely tell she was the more active one.

Abby is just so cute. She's funny and wild at the same time! She doesn't talk as much as Ally but still holds her own. She'd rather play by herself than with Jack and Ally. She loves her tumbling and also loves to dance. She can't stand still! She's still wearing 18 mo. clothes and about a 5.5 shoe. She can still wear the 5s too. She'll go potty every now and then if she wants. and loves to take her diaper off. Lovely! She's got the most beautiful, petite face and I love her eyelashes! She's our 'Lil Bit'!

Ally:
Friday, September 21 - Ally weighed 28 lbs 12 oz (75th%) and was 36 inches (95th%). She is now the same height as Jack was at 3 yrs old! While we were there, Abby was on my lap and Dr. Cochran was looking at her. Ally walked up and said "Abby sick?". She's definitely the "Mommy" of the two!

She also went to a PT appt today and is doing wonderful. After her next appt (in 3 weeks), if she's doing this great then she's going to discharge her.

Ally loves to dance and enjoys her books and puzzles. She talks very well now. She walks down the hall and says "Jack's pictures" or "Where Jack go?", "Where Daddy go?". She also says "watch TV"! :-) Her new thing is "I princess!". She's so cute and clumsey. She has the most beautiful hair and loves to cuddle. I love it when she says "Mommy sit" so that I can hold her and snuggle. She makes me slow down! I can't wait to get her in dance class. She's going to adore it!!

Saturday, September 22 (their actual bday) - The girls and I started the morning with cinnamon rolls with a candle to pratice blowing them out. They didn't have any trouble! Later, Jack had a soccer game (where he scored 3 goals!) and then we went to Roca Bar in Newburgh with my family. We had pizza and the girls opened their gifts. Abby got a cash register she loved and Ally got a puzzle. They were in heaven! After we got done eating, we sat them at the end of the table and sang Happy Birthday. When we were done, the whole section of Roca Bar clapped and whistled. It was so neat and nice. They are very special girls!

Sunday, September 23 - We had their birthday party at Village Green's Clubhouse. It had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. They love watching that. I had made the invitations which turned out cute. We had a small party with just cousins and friends. The girls had a ball. They danced to our birthday CD. Everyone played "Pin the Party Hat on Mickey" and "Find Plutos Bone". Mom drew Mickey and Pluto and they turned out so cute. They loved being sang to and just smiled from ear to ear. The did great at opening their gifts and holding them up for Daddy to take pics. The only glitch in the day was when I went to get the cake and it wasn't there! For the first (and last) time, I ordered it from Donut Bank online. Well, they didn't have one. So, Lori had to go to Diamond Ave and pick one up right at closing time! It was a pain but we had a VERY fresh cake!! The girls had a great time as did everyone else. They are really good girls and I love watching them interact. Besides the scratching, biting and pulling hair, they get along great! :-) We are so blessed!

Other:
Saturday, September 8 - We had a surprise retirement party for Mom at Howell Church's Family Life Center. It was such a chore to make it a surprise! Lori, Dad and I had to come up with so many stories and things to do without her to prepare, etc. I invited her to "Nicky's shower" that day and she complained and complained for a week about her shower being in the middle of the day on a Saturday. I really thought she was going to back out. So, to make her come, I asked her if she would watch the girls while I set up and then bring them because Nicky's family really wanted to see them. She said "well, Devyn has a football game...". I told her that he has more than one game and she can miss one! So, she said "I guess". I said "OK!". Lori and I went out there and set everything up at 9am that morning. Then I dropped the girls off at noon to Mom (in which she was still complaining!), went to Jack's game from 1:30-2:15 and then headed back out there to finish up. By 4pm, there was easily over 100 people there. At about 4:15ish, I looked out and saw Mom getting the girls out of the van. We told everyone to gather 'round. My heart was pounding and I was so anxious. When she opened the door, everyone yelled "Surprise" and she couldn't believe it. It was PERFECT! All the kids ran up to her and she couldn't even get in the door. They all love and miss her. She was shocked at the number of people there. We had pictures everywhere. Lori, Greg, Amanda Phelps, Teresa Berendes and I all spoke about her. She was laughing and crying at the same time. It was priceless. We got all her kids together with her and took a big picture which was awesome. Unfortunately some of the big boys had left and some came afterwards but there were 28 in the picture! It was an awesome evening and Mom still talks about it. She was truly surprised!!

Tuesday, September 18 - Mom, Brandy and I went with Lori to her ultrasound. She's having a BOY! It was plain and clear too!!

Friday, September 28 - We took the kids to Angel Mounds to Native American Days. It was a neat event. While dancing with the Indians and everyone else, a photographer from the Courier & Press took our picture. It's supposed to be in the Warrick edition on this Friday. This week is the Fall Festival. I've been 4 times and am done! We took the kids Tuesday night and Jack rode rides. Ally could've rode too but not Abby (too short!) so they only thing they did was go down the big slide with all 5 of us. They each got a corndog and munched on those for 30 minutes! Jack had a huge corn on the cob and thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Tomorrow, we're going camping at Lake Rudolph. It's one of their Halloweekends. Now, we'll be trick or treating and the high for the day is 91 degrees...too hot! The girls are going to be Colts Cheerleaders and Jack is going to be an Army Man. Jack has a camo heavy outfit, brown boots and my Dad's real army hat. He's going to burn up! It should be fun though. C&A are going to be next to us and then Lori, Mom, Devyn, Tyler and Monie rented a camper there. We should have around 20 people there! Can't wait!!

Next weekend, Amanda and I have a cabin in New Harmony to scrapbook from Fri-Sun! We are ready!! She's been so busy at work that we never get the chance to talk. Plus, I'm so far behind!!

We're off a weekend but then Halloween weekend we're going to Scales again. Hopefully it will be cooler then!

November events:
Jeff, his Mom and brothers are going to a Colts/Patriots game.
My birthday
A birthday getaway to a surprise location
Ally starts dance
Thanksgiving!

We are always so busy but we're lucky to have great family and friends and school to be a part of!!

Jack got his first Hat Trick!!!

Jack had his third soccer game last weekend (Sat. Sept 22, 2007) and scored all 3 goals for his team! I was so incredibly proud of him. I don't think I ever scored a goal in 10+ years of playing soccer, so you can imagine how I felt to be out there on the field with him when he did it. The week before that he got his first goal, but he was way more confident and aggressive this time and really went after the ball. The first goal was very impressive. He dribbled out of a pack of kids and kicked it hard right into the middle of the goal. The second one was a long kick from about mid field and a kid on the opposing team actually tapped it before it went it, but the third one was all him. It was another long one from about 20 feet out, but he kicked it right at the goal and it rolled in. I don't think he has any idea how awesome that is! He was trying hard to go after the ball and he got tripped up near the end of the game and rolled over and got grass all over himself and started to cry... So I let him sit out the rest of the game. He was still kind'of whimpering as we were getting ready to leave, and some old man we'd never seen before came up to him and said "Boy, you're a real fine soccer player. Keep up the good work!" Jack perked up right away and said, "Did you see that first goal I made???"

It was great!

Labor Day Weekend

We decided to FINALLY go to Randy and Tina’s during the summer to just visit. Greg and Billie were supposed to go too but back out at the last minute as usual. Dee, Stacie, Cade (almost 5) and Cole (age 2) also came up from Tallahassee. That made the trip even better! We’ve said for so long that we should do it and we finally did. It was a great weekend. We left after Jeff got off work on Friday around 1:00. We stopped to use the restroom just past Nashville and then at the rest area in Chattanooga that we always stop at. We grabbed some McDonald’s before the rest area so we had dinner there and played some soccer and just hung out for about 30 minutes. We didn’t have any trouble and pulled into Randy and Tina’s just shortly after 9pm. We were so happy to see everyone and Jack immediately made a great friend in Cade! We eventually went over to Grandma’s and got to bed around midnight. Saturday morning, we got up and it was cloudy and breezy out. The kids played on the swing set/jungle gym and riding toys all morning. They absolutely love it out there. I put some cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes in the oven and we all had breakfast (Jessica and Randi were over by then). By the time we ate (they are late eaters!), it was naptime for the girls. We then got them up at 1:00 and the 5 of us went into Downtown Atlanta to the Georgia Aquarium. It was very crowded and we had a hard time with the double stroller but it was neat. The kids enjoyed it but Jack couldn’t wait to get back to Cade! We came back and just hung out. Jack and Cade would go outside and play on the Barbie Jeep or the riding toys and then they’d come inside and play pool. They had a BALL! For dinner (at 7:30 their time!), we went to La Hacienda. There were 14 of us and then Randy and Gomer joined us after they went hunting. We headed back and got the girls to bed. Jack went to Cade’s room to watch Ninja Turtles and Jeff and I went to the Theater room and watched “Wild Hogs”. It was really funny! Sunday, we didn’t even leave the property. It was pretty chilly and windy again. The kids played outside all morning and then Randy and Tina went and got donuts. After we had breakfast, Dee went and picked up Grandma. She was so frail and bruised from a fall she took about a week ago. She didn’t say much. She gets confused and can’t remember names, etc. By this time, the house was packed. It was Randy, Tina, Steve, Molly, Avery, Sara, Jeremy, Jessica, Randi, Dillon, Dee, Stacie, Cade, Cole, Grandma, Gomer, Kathy, Jeanie, Jake, Amy (these are Gomer’s kids and grandson) and all 5 of us. They grilled out and we had so much food. The little boys swam…and Ally after she tumbled in. Jack had such a good time. Steve finally joined them! Earlier, in all this mess while the girls were sleeping, Tina took me, Dee and Stacie out to the OLD cemetery on their property. The tombstones are from the Civil War era with dates such as 1864. It was so neat. We also went over to the shop and shopped! I picked out a purse for Lori for her birthday. Right at dark, the boys got out of the pool and got settled down. Tina and I went over to the shop to get Lori’s purse embroidered. Jeff came over and worked on Tina’s computer. Jessica came over and finished Lori’s purse. Everyone left around this time. By the time we got out of there, everyone was gone or in bed except me, Tina, Randy and Stacie. We cleaned up the house and pool area. Monday, we got up and went over and had breakfast and coffee with everyone. While telling everyone goodbye, Jack started to cry because he didn’t want to leave his new friend! We headed out at 9am and should be home right around 4:00 or 4:30. It was a great trip!!

Jack's 5!

Need to write about his birthday party...

Today, when we got close to school, Jack said "Mommy, how about you just drop me off and watch me walk in." I was shocked. I said "OK, but the door is heavy." He said, "That's ok. I'll just knock. I want to do it like a big boy." So, when we got to school, I parked the van and got his backpack on. I gave him a hug and told him to be good and have fun. We walked across the street and then I stopped and he kept going. When he was walking up the ramp, he waved really big and then knocked lightly and then just jerked the door open. That was that. He went in and shut the door. I was proud and wanted to cry at the same time! He's getting so big and loves school!

So much going on!

Today was Jack's first official day of Pre-K! Yesterday was registration and I had to work so he went to his classroom and played for a couple hours. He absolutely loved it and was begging to go back at 6:30am this morning! I took him at 8:00 and dropped him off. I wasn't expecting it to be hard since we were there yesterday but I still got upset. He was excited and put his backpack on his hook. I took pictures of him going up the ramp and in the classroom. Yesterday, I took pictures of him with Mrs. Virden and Mrs. Wheatley. He went today and goes Thursday and then next week he starts going every day. He did awesome. He was really ready!! It's just so hard to drop him off and know that this is his last year at Totten Hall and he'll be walking through graduation and moving on.

Next Wednesday is Jack's 5th birthday which I cannot believe. 5 seems so much older than 4. We haven't officially measured him yet (we'll do that next week) but it looks like he's grown 2 inches in 6 months. He's getting so big. :-( This Sunday is his bday party. It's a bike party since that is what he LOVES to do. We're having it at Audubon Park and having everyone bring their bikes and having bike decorating and an obstacle course. Should be fun!

Jack is such a fish now. He's swimming underwater...diving down for toys. This past weekend, Jeff took him to the deep end and he swam 3-4 feet to him.

We decided to sign Jack up for soccer this year in Newburgh. Jeff signed up to help assistant coach. Well, they called and asked him to coach a team. So, last Saturday, Jeff and Jack had their first practice. Jack did great and tried very hard. Jeff did an awesome job at coaching the kids. There are 5 kids on the team and they play 4 on 4. It should be alot of fun! Jeff had a coaches clinic the morning before the practice and had to do drills as if they were a certain age and he won an award for being the "Best 8 yr old"! Jeff is really hoping that Jack and/or the girls take to soccer so he can keep coaching!!

The girls are really getting big. They turn 2 in just 4 weeks. I have no idea where the time went. Their party is going to be at Village Green's clubhouse and is going to have a Mickey Mouse theme. They love watching that! Their dr appt is in a few weeks and I can't wait to officially weigh and measure them. Last time I weighed them, Ally was 6 lbs heavier than Abby! Both girls are saying 2 word sentences: "Hi Daddy", "Hi Jack", "Bye Momma". It's so cute. One of Abby's favorite words is "Nook" for drink. If you say "Abby say milk.", she says "Nook". If you say "Abby say drink", she says "Nook". It's so funny. They love shoes and love going upstairs with Daddy when he gets home from work to change clothes.

Coming events:
Monday, August 27th, Abby is starting a tumbling class at Acros Gym. She's going to LOVE it. After that session is over, Ally is going to take Dance. We can't afford for both of them to do it!

Tonight, we are taking all 3 kids to the Stadium to see the Wiggles. Should be fun!!

We're heading to Fayetteville, GA to visit Randy, Tina and Grandma over Labor Day weekend. Should be very nice. I don't think we've ever been there to just visit. It's always been an event to attend.

We're having a surprise retirement party for Mom on Sept. 8th. We've found dozens of past babysitting kids so I'm really hoping it's going to be a surprise. We've collected so many pictures and Lori is making posterboards of them. The centerpieces are going to be pics in frames which I've already done. I can't wait!!

Past events:
A few weeks ago, we had our first annual Luau. The house looked great and we had great food. We also rented a Margarita machine. It was fun but very laid back and not much going on. It was relaxing and nice though. We just spent every day for a solid week working on the yard and stuff and it seemed a little boring. Oh well...maybe next year will be better!

Last week, Jeff and I went to Louisville to see my favorite group in concert, Rascal Flatts! I was soooo excited but had absolutely no idea how wonderful it would be. They were so awesome and I'm even a bigger fan now!! I was in HEAVEN! We were on the 4th row on the floor and probably about 5 feet from them. I joined the fan club just to get tickets early. That was the best $25 I've ever spent!! Can't wait to go again sometime!!!

Scammed...

Update

Ally - Says: Grandma, Gracie, Momma (finally!), Drinkie please, Blankie please, Thirsty and Shut Up! Other: crossing arms, 27 lbs, size 6 1/2 shoe, looks for Abby when we go someplace without her

Abby - Talking alot more, Says: More, Gracie, Bubba, Pa-pa (paci), Cool, Broke, Nook means milk or drink. Other: 22 lbs, size 5 shoe, got her first real hair cut/trim on 7/13 - got bangs and a flip...looks so cute!

Jack - size 11 1/2 shoe, swimming like a fish - under water with goggles


We've been using our camper a TON! We went 3 out of 4 weekends in June/July. We've been to Diamond Lake, Lincoln State Park and Tipsaw Lake (beautiful!). We're getting alot of good use out of it!! We also finally sold the pop-up, thank goodness.

I've been noticing that Ally has been more clumsey and falling more lately. Took her to see Dr. Cochran and he said her left leg is weaker than her right but nothing seriously wrong. She had an x-ray which came back fine. So, on July 6, we started Physical Therapy at High Point with Karen Lawson. She did all kinds of physical tests and measurements. She said her right leg has more muscle but her left leg is bigger with either more baby fat or swollen. She definitely tends to favor her right leg. Ally was so good. She did exactly what she was told and enjoyed our time together. Karen gave me 3 exercises to do with Ally to help strengthen her leg and also "bandaged" it up to make her want to use it. She's doing her exercises so good and loves aims to please. We have some great kids!! She goes back on July 27.

Lots of little things coming up: Jeff gone canoeing this weekend, Tonya's baby shower, we're having a Luau, Mel's wedding, etc.

Exciting!

Well, Sunday night we picked up our new camper. It's AWESOME! We've been working like crazy to get everything ready to go camping this weekend. All that's left to do is fill up the new camper with everything that was in the popup. Jeff's got all the hoses and wires figured out so we're excited!

I went home at lunch today to show the popup to a couple for the second time. I really hope they buy it...

Christi had Kinley last night and I went to the hospital to visit them at lunch. She's adorable and perfect!

Jeff and Jack are going to Quail Crossing with Brian and Grant McAtee to play golf tonight. They are renting a golf cart so Jack is going to be in heaven!!

Jack's last t-ball game

Well, we just got home from Jack's last t-ball game this year. He had a great game as he's been doing lately. He played 2nd base, which is his best position, short stop and outfield. He had 2 smaller hits and then one big one at the end. He slid into home each time!! At the end of the game, they got bobble-head trophies (which Jack calls a champion!) and Brian talked about each kid. It was cute and he was very excited! Brian said about Jack - "Jack has come along way. At first, he could only make it about 2 innings and now gets through the whole game playing great!". He had a great season and is getting so big. Can't wait to next year but for now...CAMPING, here we come!!

6/15/07 - noticed Abby's getting 2 more teeth.
6/13/07 - cut Abby some bangs.

It's official!

We are now proud owners of a 26' Keystone Springdale Travel Trailer! We signed the papers at the bank today and gave Cindy her check. Now we just need to pick it up on Sunday and sell ours!!!

Jack's first dentist appt

Jack had his first dentist appt yesterday. He did awesome!! He sat very still and never ever flinched. The dental hygienist even scraped his teeth, cleaned them with grape toothpaste and then put orange flavored flouride on them. He has 10 on top and 10 on bottom and the dentist said they look great!! I was very proud of him!!

Just a few quick things...

Ally is talking up a storm. She will repeat anything you say but always says Sit, Eat, Jump, Jack, Abby, Da-ee (for Daddy), Hot, Shoes, Blankie, Drinkie. Also, when you tell her to do something, she says "OK". So cute!

Abby is saying more. She can say A-ee (for Ally), Jack, Dadda, Momma (I hear this all the time!). She's been saying Shoo-wee when I change her too!

Jack is now saying Mom and Dad and sounds so old. He's doing great at T-ball and making new friends. He and Jeff are going to play golf sometime with Grant McAtee and his Dad, Brian. Grant is on his Roca Bar team and also went to Totten Hall. They get along good. Jack's riding his big bike now with no problems.

We opened the pool this past week. Jack is jumping in and swimming like a fish with floaties on. He loves it! Abby and Ally really like it too. They are wearing tubes like Jack used to wear. It's kind of stressful watching all of them. We're buying a pool alarm very soon.

We are also about to make another big purchase...a Travel Trailer! We looked at the perfect one last night in Mt. Vernon. It's a 26' 2005 Keystone Springdale that has been used 3 times in 2 years. It's in mint condition and will be perfect for us!! Hopefully all the financing works out and we can get it asap!!!

Mom and Dad have had 2 offers on their house and it looks like they'll probably sell it today! It's been for sale for one week!!! We may be having company!

So many things!

This past weekend, Amanda and I took Jeff and Chris on a surprise canoe trip! They truly didn't know for sure where we were going until we were about 15 minutes away. It was fun to keep them guessing!! I was a little nervous about it because I had never been before. But, it was an absolutely gorgeous day and alot of fun. It was relaxing to be outdoors in the quiet going down the Blue River. After the canoe trip, which was a 7 mile trip that took about 2.5 hrs, we got an ice cream cone and then headed to the Leavenworth Inn. They didn't know where we were staying until then either! We got the keys to our house and then went up by the main Inn and played Shuffleboard. It was ALOT of fun! Amanda and I just kept saying that we felt like we should be doing something!! We went back and cleaned up and headed to The Dock to eat dinner. It was a casual little restaurant on the Ohio. Finally, we headed back for the night. Our house was a 2 bedroom house with a common living room. We took snacks and drinks and cards and a game. We put up a table and chairs in the living room and turned on some music and laughed until we were sick! It was great!! The funniest thing that happened was when Jeff called for popcorn. To preface, the package that we got was the "Girls Night Out" package which included the entire house to ourselves, popcorn, a dinner coupon and breakfast. Well, after a few drinks and playing cards, we were ready for our popcorn. We didn't see any in the kitchen area so we decided that Jeff would call and ask the front desk about it. So, he dialed the number and said "Hello, we're staying over here in the Mint Julip and have the Girls Night Out package..." As soon as he said that, we all started laughing hysterically!! The lady said "Well, sir..." and Jeff said "I know I'm not a girl!". We were laughing so hard. The lady ended up bringing us some popcorn and even stuck her head in and looked around to make sure we just had 4 people there. It probably sounded like more when we were cracking up!!! Jeff finally said "I've never regretted a sentence in my life!" So funny!! The next morning, we went to breakfast at The Overlook which is just that, a restaurant that overlooks the bend in the Ohio River. We had a great trip!!!

While we were gone, Dad took Jack to his game. Jan went and watched and sent us this email...
"He played second base. Twice in a rowa ball was hit to him. He aggressively went after the ball, didn't evenhesitate, and ran back to 2nd base and tagged the bag. He did it withouteven thinking, like it was second nature to him. It really was impressive.He got two outs in a row. When he was up at bat, twice he hit the ball intothe outfield. The 1st time he got a double. The 2nd time should have beena home run, except the kid on base ahead of him wouldn't run. Jack was on2nd base telling the kid to run to 3rd. It really was a fun game to watch,because I think the kids are coming together a little bit, and actuallyplaying baseball. He did great!!"

We came home on Mother's Day. It was a beautiful day and we went to Mom's after naptime. We had fried chicken, side dishes and yummy desserts!! We played washers and red neck golf that we borrowed from C&A. The kids had a blast playing and Abby and Ally ate like there was no tomorrow. Abby ate a chicken leg and Ally stuffed her face with strawberries dipped in banana pudding! Dad didn't even come outside, of course. When we went inside to open gifts, Jack couldn't wait to give me his. Jeff had taken him shopping for me several days earlier and he was so excited. He was so good about not telling me what he bought but was chopping at the bit for me to open it. He wanted to open it for me so he did and handed me a long black spaghetti strap dress. It was so sweet! He was beaming from ear-to-ear and it absolutely made my day. He was so proud of himself! According to Jeff, he took him to Target and told him he could buy me anything he wanted. So of course he wanted to head to the toy section first. But Jeff explained to him that it had to be something Mommy would want (i.e. not a toy) so EVENTUALLY he gave up and started looking for Mommy things. We went down just about every aisle in that store and all of a sudden he said, "Daddy, stop!" and he pointed at this long black dress. He just KNEW I would like that. So they got it. When I said "Jack, I love it", he looked at Jeff and said "See Daddy, I told you!!!" So cute!!

After some encouragement from Mom, Monday I decided to try a little potty training with the girls. Right when they got up from their morning nap, I decided to sit each one down on the potty. First Abby went and she sat right there and peed! I couldn't believe it!! Then, I sat Ally down and she went too!!! I tried again before nap and Abby went again. That evening, they both went twice more. I was so excited! They thought it was funny and already want the toilet paper so they can wipe and Abby got some and tried to wipe Ally! This morning, we tried first thing and neither one went but tried again at Mom's when we got there and Ally went and then Abby about 30 minutes later. Then, Mom called me about 11:00 and said Abby was sitting on the potty and she thought she said "I'm done." She went in there and the girl had pooped!!! I went at lunch and bought some pull ups so it will be a little easier on Mom and me. I just hope this keeps up!!!

Odds and ends:
The kids have been so sick lately. Jack had a double ear infection and each girl had one and all 3 were running very high fevers. This lasted for a good 2-3 weeks. They are finally taking a turn for the better I think. We had alot of sleepless nights and alot of crying in our house. And, we're broke from all the doctor visits and meds! All weights are about they same because they lost weight while they were sick but are eating better now.

A&A are really repeating alot of words. They are growing up so fast!

Jack is really liking t-ball now. He hasn't cried in a while so we're hoping that's over. Last week was his last week at school. I just can't believe that we looked so forward to it and then had such a rough start and now it's over. They had a VERY cute Spring program that was 50's At the Hop and then we went on a field trip to the zoo. He finished the year great and we're really going to miss his teacher, Mrs. Unfried. She was great!!

As of next school year, I will be the Vice President of the Totten Hall School Board. Then, the next 3 yrs while the girls are in school, I'll be President! I hope I haven't gotten in over my head!!!

Last week, Jack and I also went to Emily's preschool graduation. She was so cute. I just can't believe these kids are this old...

I think that's it! Our 11th anniversary is Friday, we're having a yard sale on Saturday and camping next week. Life doesn't slow down!!!

Lots of cool stuff to look forward to...

We've got lots of fun things planned this summer and I wanted to capture them before it was too late:

• This weekend, Missy and Amanda are taking Chris and me SOMEWHERE for our anniversary. They won't tell us where we're going nor what we're doing and it's driving us crazy! All we know is that we're riding together and that our rooms are nearby. I have a pretty good feeling we're going to either Nashville or Bloomington because Missy didn't say "no" to either of those when I asked her about it. One thing Chris and I have realized during all of this is that girls and guys definitely have different goals when they plan an anniversary getaway like this! :)
• We just bought tickets to the Wiggles concert in Evansville in August! Jack will absolutely love it and we're trying to decide if we want to take the girls too. Missy didn't buy any tickets for them because they were like $40 each, so we're trying to figure out a way to get them in there for free (or at least very cheap). The free age cutoff is 12 months and the girls will be 23 months by then, but I think they'll look small enough and/or they're not going to give them a walking/talking test to prove how old they are. Our other option is to buy 2 cheap $18 tickets for them and let them sit on our laps... We'll see, I guess!
• We're going camping at KY Lake next weekend for Memorial Day and I can't wait!!! We still haven't been camping yet this year, so we're itching to get out there. We've had plans on 2 different weekends, but cancelled them because of rain. I hope I can talk Missy and Amanda into letting us rent a boat while we're there, because I'm dying to get out on the water! Missy's not as excited about camping this year because the girls are so mobile and we just don't have enough room for all 5 of us in that little pop-up. Hopefully we can find a way to get a bigger camper by next year.
• I'm sure there's much more we have going on, but that's all I can think of right now. Missy will add the rest in another post!

Good-Bye Pine Trees!!!

Well, I think I've finally convinced Missy to let me cut down those darn pine trees in the back of the house. We worked non-stop for 8 hours last weekend cleaning up the leaves and pine needles that accumulate under the trees back there, and I think that helped her realize how crappy of a job that is every year, and how cutting them down will really help. We filled at least 20 large trash bags full of leaves, twigs, and needles, and a whole trailer full of branches. Both of us were scraped, cut, and very sore from all the hard work. We had to take the kids to Lori's house for the day so we could work interrupted and not have to worry about what they were getting into.

My original plan was to cut them down and replant some smaller shrubs like the ones by the pool pump, but she was never really on board with that idea. Last weekend I offered to put up a privacy fence in place of the shrubs and she liked that idea much better. The reason those trees are such a pain is because all the leaves from our neighbors behind us blow into those trees and accumulate on the ground. If you don't clean them up in the spring before you open the pool, every little gust of wind blows leaves and pine needles into the pool which really clogs up the skimmer. By getting rid of all that crap, you can stay on top of the ones that do get through and keep the pool fairly clean. I think a privacy fence will be the best solution because it will block ALL the leaves and not even let them get onto our property! That way each spring, we'll just have a few leaves to clean up like we do each year around the rest of the landscaping. Then we're going to put some small flowers or shrubs between the metal fence and the privacy fence. That will look much better (Missy's main concern) and will be very low-maintenance (my main concern!). Now all we have to do is find someone who will remove 12, 40-50 foot pine trees for less than $1500! Fun, fun!

Cardinals Game Funny

We took Jack and Mom to a Cardinals game last weekend and Jack said something that was really funny! They were playing the Cubs and were down by 7 runs in the 7th inning. He had to pee, so I took him to the restroom. It was very crowded so we had to stand in line for 10-15 min. just to get into the bathroom. Just as it was our turn to enter the stalls, one of the guys in front of us looked back and saw Jack in his red Cardinals shirt and Cardinals hat and said "Don't worry buddy, the Cardinals will get 'em next time". Without skipping a beat and in the sweetest little voice, he said, "It's not over yet!!!" Just about every guy in there turned around to see who said that and was cracking up!!!!

I was very proud!

Weights

Jack - 44 lbs
Ally - 26 lbs
Abby - 22 lbs 9 oz

Abby has been jibber-jabbering away the last few days!

Jack's First TBall Practice

I know I'm a little late, but better late than never, and I wanted to capture these thoughts before it was too late! :) Jack had his first TBall practice a couple of weeks ago and I was so proud of him I just had to write about it. My buddy Brian Cooper is the coach and I was pretty excited about it because he said he needed some help and asked me if I was interested. I told him have no idea what I was doing, but I'd be more than willing to help. Brian did a great job! He started off with all the kids in a half-circle and went around asking each kid what their name was. Jack said his name very loudly and proudly: Jack Patterson! Is was so cute! Then he went back through the group a couple of times asking if the other kids knew their teammates' names. Not many did, but I was very impressed b/c Brian seemed to know all the kids' names after going one time around the group! Then he introduce himself as "Coach Brian" and his assistant as "Coach Marty" then he paused and looked over at me and said "and that's Coach Jeff"!!! I was so shocked and very proud that he introduced me as one of the coaches! Then he split the kids into 3 groups. Two groups practiced hitting, and one group practiced fielding. I was with Brian with the kids practicing their fielding. The kids were single-file and he would hit grounders to them and they would throw the ball to me and I'd toss them to Brian. It was very fun to be "a part of it" and encourage the kids when they did a good job or tried very hard. I was also VERY PROUD of Jack! He was BY FAR one of the best kids out there (most likely THE best) and he listened very intently to Brian and the other coach. I kept watching him and he had a smile on his face the entire time! You could really tell he loves learning and loves baseball. He was the only kid that hit the ball out of the infield and he hit it out in the air!!! Of course I made a fool of myself to one of the other dads (who looked like an ex-baseball player) but it was very funny: Jack was wearing a red Cardinals shirt and he asked me if I had a kid on the team. I said, "Yes, the little boy in the red shirt". Then he said "Oh, you mean the Rolen shirt"? Then (like an idiot) I said, "No, the Cardinals shirt!!!" DUMASS!!! Anyway, Jack did a great job and I had a blast watching him and helping to encourage him and the other kids. After practice, Jack asked me if he could run around the bases...

It's going to be a great year!

Busy day yesterday...

Abby was in rare form yesterday. First, I was on the computer and noticed some movement in front of me. I looked in the mirror next to the front door and say Abby coming down the stairs! The gate was still securely in place!! She was coming down so I completely missed her going up. I couldn't figure out how she got up there because I didn't hear a peep. I thought for sure if she went over the gate, I would've heard a "thud". So I took her back downstairs and then I went upstairs and stood at the top around the corner where she couldn't see me. Low and behold, she placed her feet halfway up the gate, leaned over the top at her stomach, placed both hands on the second step and then brought over one leg at a time. It was flawless and quick! So much for the gate!!

Later, when they woke up from their nap, I went in to get them and Abby had no pants on, no socks on and her shirt was over her head with just her arms in it...like a little cardigan sweater. The girls were just jumping up and down like crazy. Man - we've got our hands full!!!

Jack said something funny too. I was getting him dressed and getting ready to put his shirt on. He pointed to my chest and said "Why do you have this?". I said "Because I'm a girl. Why do you have those?". He said "Mine are just dots. Are yours hills or mountains?" I had no idea what to say and was cracking up so I just didn't answer and walked away! He's all boy!!!

Last night we went to Dick's and bought his new baseball pants and socks and a new bat for opening day. Unfortunately, it's rained all night and all the T-ball games are cancelled. He's so disappointed as we all are...

Jack's first email

Jack got his first email from a girl today! This is why we now have to watch Jack and Emily like hawks!!! Here it is...

****************************

Jack,

You look handsome. You look cute too. I love your soul.

PM I wish you could come back to my house. In case you want to see the Easter egg movie you just gave me the copy cat one. I love it.

Love,
Emily

****************************

We set up Jack's first email address and replied. His email address is jackmpat@gmail.com!

Just not enough time...

I mean to do this every day but can't find the time...

Well, we survived Disney...barely! It was as bad as I thought it would be workwise. Jeff and I fought constantly. He felt left out of all the decisions and wasn't happy. I felt like all he cared about was Jack and they would just do things together. The girls were way too young. They couldn't do anything so therefore I couldn't do anything. It was so much work with the stroller and being out-numbered by kids. Jack thoroughly enjoyed the Character Breakfast and getting the characters' signatures. Ally threw up on the way there which was fun. Otherwise, the drive really wasn't as bad as it could've been. We drove 10 hrs the first day and the 3 the second. On the way home, we drove about 7 and then 6. We'll take the kids back but not until the girls are quite a bit older.

Jack is 4 1/2 now. He's growing like crazy. He's grown over an inch and gained several pounds just since his 4th bday. At last check, he was over 41 inches and 43 lbs! He's wearing a size 11 shoe! I think he totally skipped sizes 7-10. He just started t-ball in Newburgh (3/29) and loves it and is doing an awesome job. Brian Cooper is the coach and Jeff is helping. He put Jack at First base and he didn't need much coaching before he was doing perfect. He's hitting and throwing great too. We bought him some new cleats and he loved that. He's doing better when being dropped off at school (now that he has like 4 weeks left!). He's just getting so big!!!

A&A are 18 months. Both girls are getting their molars and wave and say "Bye bye". Both sleep all night and still take 2 naps a day.

Ally is a talking fool! She repeated everything. She's saying Pretty, Brush, Shoe, Sock, Jack, Abby, Dadda, Please, Cracker, Cheese when take her picture and anything else you tell her to say. She has an attitude like crazy and loves to back talk. She is Lori made over! She bites and yells when she's mad. If she gets hurt (or not) she always says that Jack did it. :-) She's 24 lbs and 2 inches taller than Abby. Still a big thumb sucker and loves her bubbas. She won't let Abby even touch them! Ally's hair is getting so long. Wearing size 5W or 5 1/2 shoe and 18-24 months.

Abby is still sooooo busy! She's up to a whopping 21 lbs 10 oz. Talks occasionally...saying Momma, Dadda, Bye and Jack. Still loves her pacis and gets excited when she sees you getting her one. Loves to get one of Ally's bubbas but Ally won't let her and bites! Abby's hair is getting thicker and longer. She's so dainty and beautiful. Wearing size 4 shoe and still in 12-18 months.

All 3 kids had their pictures taken with Antiquities and they were awesome!! I might be the VP of Totten Hall next year and then President. I can't believe Jack is already finishing his first year of school. Got a busy couple of months coming up with games, camping, anniversary, etc. Again, just not enough time in the day!!!

You've just finished a week of work...

What next? DISNEY WORLD!!!

We're leaving for Disney World Saturday morning with the Blakes. It's going to be a long drive but hopefully not a bad one. We're going to drive about 10 hrs on Saturday and then hopefully no more than 14 on Sunday. We're so excited to get there! Sunday night, we're going to Downtown Disney. Monday to Animal Kingdom. Tuesday to MGM - along with having Breakfast with the characters at Playhouse Disney. Wednesday, our family is going to start the day at Disney's Wide World of Sports where the Atlanta Braves are doing their Spring Training. Jack is going to LOVE that. Then, we're going to meet up with the Blakes at Magic Kingdom. Thursday morning, we're going to Epcot and then heading home. It's going to be alot of fun and I'm sure we'll take hundreds of pictures!!

Odds and Ends...
Abby - Such a monkey. Swings from the kitchen table. Climbs on everything! Got her hair trimmed and it looks so much better. 20 lbs at her last appt. 18 month appt on 3/16.

Ally - Repeating alot of what you tell her to say. Mean little girl! Gets so frustrated and growls and bites. She's so sweet and cuddly when she wants to be though. Points to herself and says "Dadda" like Jeff does. 23 lbs at her last appt.

Both girls getting their molars.

Jack - 41 lbs and 41 inches at his Riley appt. Talking about taking him off his Pulmicort in the summer. Still not liking school too much. Doesn't mind sitting in time out on the steps so him and Daddy can "talk" afterwards.

I'm sure we'll have lots of stories after our trip!

Jack got his first fat lip at school today

Missy sent me an email this morning and told me that one of the kids in Jack's preschool class (Jacob) threw something and hit Jack in the mouth and gave him a fat lip. I don't know why, but that really, really pissed me off! I know Jacob's parents and they seem like very polite and upstanding people and I know they don't teach their son to do things like that, but I can't help but want to beat the tar out of that boy for hurting my son. The only times in my life that I've ever been in a fist-fight were because I was defending my brothers - and I kicked butt every time because I was so angry! Well, except for that one time in 4th grade where I got in a fight with a kid on the way home from school... He didn't like me for some reason and I kept avoiding him hoping to avoid a fight. Well, I finally stood up to him on the way home from school one day and he hauled off and hit me one time in the mouth and I saw stars and thought I had just been shot! I immediately started crying and I ran home as quickly as I could hoping that bully wasn't following me. Anyway, Missy said the director of Totten Hall came down to Jack's room and took both boys up to her office so she could show Jacob's mother what had happened to Jack's lip. Missy said his teacher was apologizing profusely too, so I was happy to hear that they took the event seriously. I really feel sorry for Jacob's parents. They're just like us and I'm sure they're worried sick and racking their brains on what to do with their son, just as we would be.

Anyway, I just hope I don't see that boy alone in a dark alley! :)

Odds and Ends

Both girls are saying "Uh oh" when they drop something.
Abby is getting 2 more bottom teeth.
Abby climbed on the Thomas Table by herself last night.
Ally pooped in the tub last night!
Abby starting opening doors today - the doors with the long, sideways handles!
Jack had a great day at school and earned a star.

I spent the weekend in Leavenworth, IN scrapbooking and got 40 pages done...July 4th-Sept 16th! While I was gone, Jeff kept the kids which he thoroughly enjoyed...NOT! Jeff always gives Jack 2 options for meals and snacks, such as "You have 2 choices - pancakes or french toast." Well, while I was gone, Jack got up one morning and said "Daddy, I have 2 choices for breakfast - sprinkles in a cup or ice cream. Which one do I want?"!! Hilarious!!!

January notes

Well, here it is almost the end of January 2007...times goes by so fast! I'm leaving tomorrow with Amanda Blake to go to a 3 day scrapbooking event at a Bed and Breakfast in Leavenworth, IN. We're excited! Jeff is keeping the kids so he' s not looking forward to it too much!! After this trip, she and I will finish planning the BIG Super Bowl party and then after that...DISNEY WORLD!!! I can't believe we're taking 5 kids that are 5 and under to DW in just 37 days! The girls are only 16 months old...what were we thinking!! Anyway, just wanted to make some notes...

Ally: Says "Jack" constantly. Loves to know where he's at and be around him (although he's not so nice to either one of them). Says "Bye" like she's from Kentucky! Says "Bite" which she hears quite often...whether it be "Do you want a bite?" or "NO bite!". Likes to bite when she's mad or wants something. Still only has 7 teeth but working on her molars. She can do "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" which is so cute.

Abby: Little Bit (as Jeff calls her) just does her own thing. She's soooo extremely busy. She is also a climber. She now gets on the kitchen chairs and then onto the kitchen table. Caught her there more than once. We now keep the chairs on top of the table when we're not sitting in them. She still plays so well by herself and has to fight off Ally taking everything she touches. Still only has 6 teeth and wears 12 month clothes. She's so little. Talks alot but doesn't say many words...basically the only thing she says is "Momma" and she yells that alot!!

Both girls: I've been trying to wean them off of baby food. I know it's better for them than anything I fix but it's expensive and they aren't learning to chew things! They've been eating grilled cheeses, green beans and jelly sandwiches. I'll be glad when they can eat more things. Both girls are walking/running although Ally is still so clumsey. At the beginning of January, they quit taking their evening nap so they are down to 2 - 2 hr naps now...morning and afternoon. Bedtime is between 7:30 and 8:00 and they are usually READY! They give lots of kisses and can play good together sometimes! It's so much fun to watch them interact now.

Jack: Almost completely potty trained. Still wears a diaper at nap and bedtime and still wakes up with a full one. Jeff still has to sit outside his room every night when he goes to bed. He still takes an afternoon nap which probably doesn't help the bedtime situation much. We just got word that Newburgh Baseball is accepting 4 yr olds for t-ball now so we're going to get him signed up for that next month. Favorite saying right now is "What the..." which he totally gets from Papaw. He likes to play with and hurt the girls. He likes to see if he can "pull their heads off" because that's what Devyn does to him. :- He's so funny sometimes but still so innocent. One night, Jeff was reading him a story about fire safety and do's and don't's. He told Jack that you should never play with matches. Confused, Jack said "But Daddy, we always play with matches." Jeff asked him what he was talking about and he said "You know, we turn over the cards and try to get matches!". He's talking about the game Memory...too cute! Still not real sure about school. He cries/whines most mornings when I drop him off. He does well when there but wouldn't go if he didn't have to! He just got his very first report card. I couldn't wait to see what it said! He got...

53 "A's" for "Always" on things such as...
"I speak clearly."
"I follow school rules."
"I know my first and last name."
"I can use crayons and scissors correctly."

4 "B's" which means "Beginning To" in...
"I am not afraid to try new thing."
"I ask questions."
"I can move from one activity to another easily."
"I can print my first name."

1 "S" for "Sometimes" in...
"I know my shapes...Rectangle"

and 2 "N's" for "Not Yet" in...
"I can recognize opposites."
"I can gallop." (he can totally gallop! :-)

Anyway, I guess that's enough for my first posting! Be back soon...

"Interception! The Colts are going to the Super Bowl!!!

I've never really been much of a football fan and never really watched many of the games, but Chris Blake took me to a Colts game a couple of months ago and we had an absolute blast and the Colts were undefeated at the time, so I started following them and watching their progress. The coolest thing about it to me was that they let me take all of my camera equipment into the game so I was able to get some great shots using different lenses. Our seats weren't that great, but we could still see all that action very clearly. Colts fans are pretty nice too. Chris warned me that the seats in our section were bench seats with little white lines delineating each "seat" so I was expecting to have to sit between a row of 300 pound linebackers and have to sit on Chris' lap or only be able to get once butt-cheek on the bench. But I guess we got lucky because we had 5 skinny college guys on our right and a skinny high school couple on our left. Heck, after a couple beers, we were even getting a little cocky ourselves and pushing the poor HS kids off their seats a bit!

Anyway, I've been following the Colts since that game and have become quite a fan. We all got together at Chris' house last weekend to watch the AFC Championship game vs. the New England Patriots (Mom's long-time favorite team!) Now there's a HUGE FAN for ya... She called me before the game to talk about it and said she has been so nervous and unable to sleep and has had to take diarrhea medicine all week! Anyway, it was probably one of the best games ever and the Colts got very lucky. Tom Brady and the Patriots definitely out-played the Colts. Manning could not get any completions b/c their defense was swatting all of his passes away. We did not have the lead at all the whole game until our very last touchdown with 1 minute left to play. Peyton handed the ball off to rookie Joseph Addai and he ran it in, almost untouched. I think everyone was expecting a pass from Manning, so he caught them off guard. Well, the Colts were up by 4 with less than a minute to play and New England got the ball. Brady started marching down the field like he had done all game. Our defense just could not stop them! They showed a clip of Manning on the sidelines and he had his face in his hands - he couldn't even watch the game! His arch-rival Tom Brady was about the rob him of another championship! Just then, Tom threw the only interception of the game and one of the Colts defenders caught it and fell down immediately! I'll never forget the excitement in the announcer's voice when he said, "Interception! The Colts are going to the Super Bowl!!!" Missy and I were at home by then and we both jumped up immediately and started screaming and shouting and hugging each other uncontrollably! It was easily one of the most exciting moments of my life!

I guess I'm a fan for life now.

Let the blogging begin!

Well, I guess it's about time. I've been a part of the Internet community for almost 12 years now (here's the proof) but I'm just now getting a blog. I've always liked the idea of a semi-daily diary, but like most tech. things, wasn't one of the early adopters of blogging, so I kind'of resisted it. Very similar to the whole Texas Hold'em phenomenon. My buddies and I have been playing poker since Freshman year in high school (almost 20 years) but we never played Hold'em, so we rebelled in a way, figuring we knew more than all these new-comers. Now Hold'em is all we play!

Missy and I are leaving for Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow morning at 6:00am for a little mini-vacation. Marlena is keeping the kids so we know we can relax and enjoy ourselves. Missy's kind'of out of her element on this trip. We have rental car reservations, but that's it! No hotel reservations or anything else. We're just going to get down there and see what we can find! We're going to try and find the house Dad lived in after he graduated from high school. We already have a couple of addresses in Hollywood and some pictures of local landmarks like Dania Beach. The only things I remember about going down there as a kid are the canals behind the houses. I remember seeing an alligator swimming in someone's "backyard" and thought that was sooo cool! We're also going to drive down to South Beach and do a little sight-seeing. Should be interesting!

Anyway, I'll try to update this periodically with some thoughts. Maybe Jack or the girls will get a kick out of this some day.

- Jeff