My Little Teachers

I cannot believe that the school year is flying by. MARCH is almost here and it is hard to fathom that I will have two in kindergarten and one in preschool very soon!  All of my babies will be in school, and, hopefully, at LOA with me.  I remember contemplating where we would send the kids to school (only an issue here in Greene) when they were babies, and we always said, "WELL, that's a LONG time away." A long time ended very quickly! As March nears, Cody and I are also reminded that we could have had a little one turning SIX at this time, possibly sharing a birthday with YaYa. With that loss came an understanding that things and life occurs in His timing....not that of our own. We are so grateful for our sweet family, and each March I'm reminded of the trials that also brought us triumph.

The kids are doing great at school and Faith and Cameron are well adjusted to being separated. I have  been slightly alarmed by the things the kiddos have obviously been teaching their peers, however, although these things have also made me giggle....

 Cameron often chooses to go in the house keeping area during center time. Of course, he would! He has a kind heart, who loves his "baby" better than the girls like their dolls.....and don't judge, people.....I think it's great for him to show characteristics of being a good daddy. Housekeeping would be a perfect place to play mommy and daddy! HOWEVER.....when he also turns up a container and calls it a "daddy drink," that's really not a proud mommy moment. Yes, he did this at school.....in the housekeeping center.  I insist....we ARE NOT alcoholics and I do not allow drunkenness within my house!!! However, Cody does enjoy a beverage of choice in the afternoons....hence, the "Daddy drink."  Faith's extracurriculars, on the other hand, consist of teaching friends how to give "wet willies."  She vehemently denies such activity, but there are too many friends, who say otherwise.

Mallory will soon be turning four! She is my quiet one, and I don't think I will be hearing such stories about her. The challenge with little Mallory is to get her to come out of her shell (in public places, at least). She wants an "Elsa" party, and I really need to start getting on top of that! She is ready for wam weather!!! She detests winter clothing and prefers shorts and t-shirts each day after returning home from school.

How lucky are we?! Three kiddos with such different personalities!!!

Mallory after her last birthday!!! Can't believe she will be four soon!!!

Would You Jump off a Bridge If.....

Faith and Cameron are now FIVE. I can't believe it! I still think of them as little babies, but I catch glimpses of the big girl and boy that they truly are.  I catch those glimpses as we have conversations, as they jump into the car and buckle themselves, and as they kiss mommy and daddy goodbye and walk into a classroom (tear).  When I have time to sit and truly watch them at play, I think, "Wow. I can't believe these babies ARE NOT babies. How can this be?!" As many, I often get caught up in the craziness of life and often find myself going through the motions of each day. There have been many days that I simply want to survive.  In doing so, these kiddos have seemed to grow overnight!  This birthday reminded me of the need to SLOW DOWN....because time certainly will not.






The birthday party was a success. We had it at Pump It Up in Athens and we had a great turnout! I am so thankful that Faith and Cam have such good little buddies.  The party was superhero themed, with the cake being a half blue and half pink Superman emblem. It was great.


These days, my kiddos are getting good at blaming things on each other....OR....they have done something because the other has told them to or done it first.  I am also getting good at becoming my own parents, which is not a BAD thing. Today, Mallory tried to get herself out of trouble by claiming that Cameron had done something FIRST. I proceeded with the famous line of, "Well, if Cam jumped off a bridge, would YOU?!" That just doesn't work on my kids...I've tried it before, and I do not know why I keep using the line. All three thought that this was funny. "YEAH," Mallory said, seemingly excited about jumping off of a bridge.  Okay.....well....I tried the line of "If Cameron picks his nose, would you?" That didn't work, either. All three immediately put their fingers up their noses and died laughing. AGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't win when they are all against me.


They are not all bad, though. They have some good tendencies.  On the way to Madison tonight, Cameron wanted to spit his gum out. Cody rolled down the window and said, "Spit far, son."  Cameron was looking at Cody like he was crazy and adamantly shook his head no. We all urged him to do it. I thought he was simply scared with the window down. Cameron shouted, "I can't do dat! Dats called a litta bug." Yep, Cameron. Littering is a no no. :) 


The night ended at WalMart, tonight. The kids now HATE shopping. However, we HAD to have something for breakfast tomorrow morning, and I needed to pick up some things for LOA's spirit week.  The kids stayed in the car with Cody. I am certain that I took longer than necessary, and as I reached the parking lot, the car was empty. Where could they be? Yep. Multiple potty needs. Cody had the treat of one at the urinal and two in the stalls, shouting that "It may be a while."  He didn't think that it was as funny as I did.

Potty Humor

Within the last four weeks, we have had a virus, pink eye, the flu, and ear infections. I have to say that my children are not normally so "sickly."  However, when we DO happen to catch something, we really make a go at it. We are perfectionists in this house, and we don't do ANYTHING half way. ;)  We are now on a second round of antibiotics trying to get everyone all better before school.

It's great that kids are so resilient. They have a fever one minute and are jumping from one couch to the other the next second. In fact, only shortly ago, we administered Motrin for achy ears....I am now begging these children to stop jumping on the bed. As. I. Type. It sure is pitiful when they DO fall lifeless on the couch....but....it sure is hard to convince pediatricians/pharmacists that your kids have a legitimate reason to be in the office when they are all smiles and mischief.

Friday morning, I called the pediatrician upon their opening.  Only giving me one hour and ten minutes to get my three sleeping children to Athens, we were in a race to get out the door. I am proud to say that we made it.. AND...not a minute late. We also had matching socks on AND all shoes were on the correct feet (something that we have become notorious for NOT accomplishing).  Anywho, my lovely children were fairly well behaved, until the doctor happened to scoot her chair closer to them.  The scoot sounded more like a bodily function that rhymes with scoot. As the pediatrician listened to Faith's chest, Faith certainly tried her best to maintain composure. Cameron began to make his own noises, and the trio couldn't hold in their laughter. I'm glad our doctor can appreciate potty humor.  She could also see and hear A LOT of congestion so enter the antibiotics. 

While the antibiotics do their jobs, my kids are also trying to find remedies for ME. I'm not oblivious to the fact that I am seeing some definite signs of aging! These fine lines and wrinkles are NO JOKE.  The kids often see me with a mask or cleanser on my face, so THEY are not oblivious to the fact that I do not embrace the fine lines and wrinkles.  Yesterday, a skincare commercial came on. I'm sure the girl wasn't a day over twenty.  Cameron said, "Mom. You should get that stuff. Dat girl doesn't have no wrinkles like you."  Love it.  No harm, though...he made up for that remark when he told me today, "I love you. Your name is on my heart."  Watch out girls. This boy can say ALL OF THE RIGHT THINGS!

New Year, Here We Come!

So long 2014...hello 2015!

We celebrated the New Year quietly at home, playing with Ninja Turtles and Frozen dolls....just SOME of the treasures that the kiddos received for Christmas. Each year, Christmas stresses me OUT....what should I get the kids (and everyone else)....will they have enough....or do they each have an equal amount???...AND...THEN....we are always bombarded with the immense amount of things that we receive! How very grateful we are to be able to celebrate Christmas in a big way...and be surrounded by family. ANYWAY...the New Year's celebration was an uneventful one, but I did receive a BIG kiss at the stroke of midnight. Yep, my Cameron made it to see the ball drop....the first year ever...the girls watched via YouTube today. :)

This year was a good one. There are not TOO many events that stand out in my mind, but we are in a good place. These kids are growing and thriving. They began school!  They will ALL join me at LOA next year, and, for that, I can breathe a sigh of relief!  My transition to LOA began as a chance application, to a forced decision, and, now, a true blessing. I am so happy to be back in a regular classroom, part of an amazing staff, and able to have at least part of my family there with me.

Just as we settle down from Christmas, we are gearing up for Faith and Cameron's 5th birthday!!! I can't believe it...well...part of me can...because I would be lying if I said that those first years were anything other than LONG. ;)  These two are so very different but equally special. We have decided to have the party at Pump It Up in Athens. With cold weather, I think that this will work perfectly for a January birthday. I can't imagine what these two could possibly need or get for their birthdays...but Faith has requested a camera, Cameron wants a gun cabinet. Yes, they are turning 5....not 15....

On a side note....do you know something that I LOVE?  Sometimes, when it's quiet and we are done with play, the kids will say out of the blue, "Momma and Daddy, you know what? I love you."  At least this way, we'll NEVER run out of things to say. Love these babies to pieces!

This is an oldie...but all that I could find on this computer! :)

My sweet ones have grown even since this picture!

My Best Buddy

Oh, how I hate Mondays! I feel that everything I do is not right or not good enough, and it is very hard for me to just jump back into the groove of things! :(  Things will be better tomorrow I am sure!


The weekend was nice and uneventful. Saturday morning, Cody headed to get a nice surprise for the "kids." I am certain that it was only for them! ;)  Anyway, he purchased a Polaris Ranger. The kids were excited about it, and Mallory calls it the "Power Ranger." You won't hear me correct her...I think that it is TOO cute.


One development over the last couple of days is our taking notice of how differently the kids are interacting with each other. For the most part, they have always gotten along. They've played nicely together and never competed for each other's attention. Now, they are battling for a "best buddy." Mallory is usually the one that goes back and forth between the twins. She is either Faith's best buddy or Cameron's.....and anything can make her change her mind and go from one to the other. For Faith, the thought of not having Mallory on her side means little to nothing. However, she uses it to torment Cameron when Mallory is on her side. Cameron, my soft hearted one, gets his heart broken. For now, I have just let them work it out as it arises. I am interested to see how it plays out....and I may just have to intervene sooner or later. ;)


Cam will never be alone, however....he has Charles, of course (his imaginary friend). Yes, Charles is still around, and he is still quite the character. He goes from young to old....alive to deceased. He even has a dad name "Kenneth." He continues to teach Cameron things that are less than appropriate, and he just told me that he called him at school....but Cam was busy talking to Miss Emily. :)

Comings and Goings

I can't believe that I have not posted since APRIL!!! That's just WRONG!!! There have been plenty of things that I have wanted to jot down so that I remember them forever, and I often find myself saying, "That's blog-worthy," but I never find myself sitting down at the computer to follow-through. A few weeks ago, I took one of those silly quizzes online about what profession you are truly made for. Guess what I got?! A writer!!! I took that as a sign that I should get back to blogging! This is sad, but it took me a couple of tries to remember my password on here, but, when I did get it right, I read some of my last posts. They made me smile about things that I had already forgotten that my sweet babies have said or done! So, back to blogging....and trying to hold on to those memories for a lifetime! ;)

SOOOO much has happened since April, so I will use this post to play catch-up (it may be a bit boring). That's your WARNING.

SUMMER FUN, SUMMER LOVE

We had a great time this summer. We rarely stayed home. We spent much needed time with family, swam to our hearts' content, and had no regards to a schedule, diet, or bedtime! It was great!

The kids...yes, all three....were in a wedding. I stressed about this and how they would perform, but, as they always do, they pulled through! They were just gorgeous, and it left us very proud.  At weddings, love is in the air, and it hit Cam HARD! Kate Merritt was also in the wedding....and she and my boy shared a KISS. Cameron later told me, "Momma, you know when I fell in lub with Kate? When she kissed me." I am in for SO. MUCH. TROUBLE. He has also told me that when he gets scared at night, he just thinks. I asked him WHAT he thinks about. He said, "Kate." OH. MY.

We also had a great vacation. We went with YaYa, Pat, and Ray-Ray this year. The destination was Panama City Beach. The kiddos were pretty awesome...each year it gets easier....and each year I look more forward to it. Let's face it...in years past, vacation was NOT a vacation. It was more like torture. ;)

I'm Moving On

I've had a fairly big change in my life, as well. I accepted a new job at Lake Oconee Academy. It was a hard decision, but a decision that I knew that I would make at some point. I have always wanted to be closer to home, and I want the best educational opportunities for my own babies. Very torn between what I had considered my "home," for seven years and this new opportunity, I ultimately made the decision to move on...and it was primarily because I knew that it would be the best decision for my family. It always interests me how interested OTHERS are about this change....and let's be honest....it's mainly for information about specific schools and school systems. All I can say is this....I feel very blessed that God has chosen to use me at the current school that I am at. I have always been amongst SUPERIOR teachers in the past and present....and I will continue to try my very best in the position that I am in. Right now, I am co-teaching in first grade. The kids are great, and I am adjusting and enjoying being back in a homeroom setting! I am excited to have all of my babies with me at LOA next year!

Pre-K

Faith and Cameron were not accepted into LOA this year. So, they are attending Lakeview Academy's Bright from the Start PreK program. At the last minute, a spot opened for Mallory, too! So, all of my babies are in one spot. We had to say goodbye to Granny B....which was hard to do. Goodbye did not last long, however. After a rough week at school, I decided that I couldn't handle it ALL. So, Granny B comes on Fridays to help at the house. She keeps the kids for a couple of hours until I can get home, as well. I think that she is SUPER excited to continue to be a part of our lives...we know that we are happy to have her!

The kids are liking school okay...I would not say that they are LOVING it. They are not excited about going, but it seems that they have a good time when they get there. They HATE homework....and I can foresee a LONG road ahead of me/them in that capacity. Mallory is having the hardest time. She cannot understand that Faith and Cam are in the same class, but she is left alone in hers. After much talking, I convinced that that her going their class would be IMPOSSIBLE...so she had finally opened up in her classroom and has began talking SOME.

Things to come

We are looking forward to our fall breaks....although our fall breaks do not align with each other. I think that we are all in need of a break. On October 7th, please be in prayer for our Ray-Ray. She will have a brain tumor removed. It will be a LONG surgery, but the doctors are very optimistic. Please be in prayer for not only Ray-Ray but her doctor's and family, as well!

I think that's it! I am sure that there will be funny stories to come SOON!

Happy Birthday to "Mawee"

I may be a month late with Mallory's birthday post, but that doesn't mean it was any less special! It's hard to believe that my babies are not so much like babies anymore! MALLORY IS NOW THREE!


Mallory's birthday always falls during my spring break, which is wonderful. I was able to take cupcakes to her class. She was so excited! Her entire birthday week was great...we had a picnic in the park, a trip to Chuck E Cheese, and lunches out with ice cream. Mallory's party was at the end of the week, and, luckily, I had done much of the party prep before Thursday evening...because that's when catastrophe hit. The virus got Cameron first. Friday was a day full of baking. For some reason, I thought that I could get all crafty and mother-of-the-yearish and do most of it myself. Needless to say, I ended up running to Wal Mart last minute because I didn't like the way my cupcakes looked. Saturday...party day....I knew that I was next. I felt terrible and it hit mid-party! Mallory still had a fabulous time, however, and we are so grateful to have such great family and friends to share her day. Unfortunately, Faith became sick on Sunday. :( My birthday girl remained STRONG...she didn't have time for a virus! She and Cody were the lucky ones.

 The birthday party was at the church. Mallory wanted a Little Mermaid them. I tried to save some money and make the directions myself. :) NEVER. AGAIN.

We also had a bounce house. Because we rented one, we wanted to make sure the kids got as much time having fun as possible. So, we saved to presents for home. Here is one pic....Mallory loved her "Frozen" book!

 

 



To my birthday girl, who keeps me guessing and working for that beautiful smile, I feel truly blessed to have such a special girl. Your strong will is admirable...if not frustrating. ;)  Those eyes could melt anyone's heart, and you have definitely won mine. I know that I say this each year, but God really knew what He was doing when he placed you here with us. A friend told me just this week (in reference to other things), "God's timing is everything." She is definitely right. Never did I imagine that we would welcome another bundle fourteen months after having twins.  We didn't know how much we needed you here to complete our chaotic, little world. It was all in His timing, for sure! We love you baby girl!