- Cora is moving again at daycare... up to the even bigger room! She's now with the 3 1/2 year olds. The current room (which she was in for about 6 weeks) is great... she learned a lot, but also just blew them out of the water apparently. Her writing is amazing (according to a couple teachers), along with a few other things... so they decided to move her up. She's still not potty trained, so hopefully they'll keep on that as well. More to come!
- Kayson's been a challenge lately - he's tired, he's learning, he's talking. Yes... talking. He is our social butterfly at school. They have punch cards... they have clothespins (to move up and down on something)... and he's had to move that clothespin down the last week or so. It's because of his talking - he doesn't know when to stop. He has a lot of friends... and he likes to talk. We hope to get that handled soon!
- Ryan is busy. He works a lot. He's working now... every night after the kids are in bed, he works more. It's quiet in our house after 8:30... I don't want to bother him!
- The cooler Iowa weather has hit - maybe officially FALL! Yesterday it was 80s, today - 60s... and that's to continue through the week/weekend. Eek, I kind of love it. However, it's hard to dress the kiddos! So coats are worn in the morning... soon we'll start wearing pants, not shorts!
- That's it for this Tuesday night.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
This & That
Monday, September 28, 2015
Cora - Ear Tubes Cleared
Well, Cora got ear tubes way back when... she was about 9 months old. We were hoping that we would have a better outcome compared to her brother (since he had to have TWO sets!) And we did! She's had great luck with the tubes... no ear infections since then... we've done our 6 to 9 month check ups with Dr. Schulte, and this morning, we got confirmation that all is well - and we don't have to go back!
The tubes are STILL in her ears (which he says they normally 'live' about 12-18 months... we are going on over 2 years), but not where they are 'supposed' to be. They are moved out further, so they are kind of floating. He said if she was 12, he would have just taken them all the way out... but we'll leave them, and we'll eventually find them on the floor someday.
He wanted to check her hearing, which makes me giggle of course. Can she hear us!? Yes, she can. She passed on both ears.
All good news!
The tubes are STILL in her ears (which he says they normally 'live' about 12-18 months... we are going on over 2 years), but not where they are 'supposed' to be. They are moved out further, so they are kind of floating. He said if she was 12, he would have just taken them all the way out... but we'll leave them, and we'll eventually find them on the floor someday.
He wanted to check her hearing, which makes me giggle of course. Can she hear us!? Yes, she can. She passed on both ears.
All good news!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Friday:
Our normal Friday work day... I was HOPING I would be able to leave a little early from work Friday, but I ended up being bogged down with computer problems. 2 hours later with IT, and it still wasn't 'fixed'. Grr. So I just stuck around, caught up on some other random things and visited with a coworker who was back in town.
That night we did dinner out... then decided to take the kids to the Waukee Homecoming football game. It was a nice night, so we tried it. We stayed til halftime, and that was perfect. Cora did well - kept busy with coloring and stickers, and Kayson and Ryan talked football. It was a good time.
Saturday:
We got up... I took Murphy to the kennel, then we headed out. We were heading to St. Joe, MO to celebrate a 90th birthday - Aunt Maagie. (Yes, we have lots of loved, older people in our lives!!) The 2.5 hour drive was ok... movie, more coloring, reading books and just trying to keep the kids (Cora) happy.
We met up with everyone for lunch... actually pulled in the same time Blair and Martina were, so it worked out great. Then we got cleaned up at the hotel... and onto the 'party' for Aunt Maagie. We gathered for a couple hours with a bunch of her friends and just hung out. The kids actually did pretty well, a little bored, but not too much whining.
Following the party, we did a run to the Rally House (where they sell tons of Kansas Jayhawks and Royals stuff). We loaded up. We love stuff like that!! :)
And to top off the night, we ordered pizza in and let the kids swim. It was a really nice night.
Sunday:
Again, up and at 'em. We needed to be on the road no later than 9:30, and we pulled out at 9:20. Lunch was had, and now K and Ryan are at flag football, and Cora is resting. I've started laundry, doing this post, then gotta make that terrible grocery list!!!
It was a nice weekend... always non stop, but it was good. I'm hoping for a quiet evening and early bed for everyone.
Our normal Friday work day... I was HOPING I would be able to leave a little early from work Friday, but I ended up being bogged down with computer problems. 2 hours later with IT, and it still wasn't 'fixed'. Grr. So I just stuck around, caught up on some other random things and visited with a coworker who was back in town.
That night we did dinner out... then decided to take the kids to the Waukee Homecoming football game. It was a nice night, so we tried it. We stayed til halftime, and that was perfect. Cora did well - kept busy with coloring and stickers, and Kayson and Ryan talked football. It was a good time.
Saturday:
We got up... I took Murphy to the kennel, then we headed out. We were heading to St. Joe, MO to celebrate a 90th birthday - Aunt Maagie. (Yes, we have lots of loved, older people in our lives!!) The 2.5 hour drive was ok... movie, more coloring, reading books and just trying to keep the kids (Cora) happy.
We met up with everyone for lunch... actually pulled in the same time Blair and Martina were, so it worked out great. Then we got cleaned up at the hotel... and onto the 'party' for Aunt Maagie. We gathered for a couple hours with a bunch of her friends and just hung out. The kids actually did pretty well, a little bored, but not too much whining.
Following the party, we did a run to the Rally House (where they sell tons of Kansas Jayhawks and Royals stuff). We loaded up. We love stuff like that!! :)
And to top off the night, we ordered pizza in and let the kids swim. It was a really nice night.
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| Fun in the shower... ha. :) |
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| all dressed up... and this is as good as it gets for these kiddos. |
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| Jayhawks!! |
Sunday:
Again, up and at 'em. We needed to be on the road no later than 9:30, and we pulled out at 9:20. Lunch was had, and now K and Ryan are at flag football, and Cora is resting. I've started laundry, doing this post, then gotta make that terrible grocery list!!!
It was a nice weekend... always non stop, but it was good. I'm hoping for a quiet evening and early bed for everyone.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Saturday
I know, it's Monday... not Saturday. Our weekend was busy and hence, I'm just getting around to posting!
Saturday was a day for me, the kids and my family. Ryan was going to be going to the night Iowa football game, and I really didn't want to stick around at home. So the kids and I headed up to Clarion for the day. Our drive was interesting... thanks to our daughter (or how I like to say 'Ryan's daughter'). :) She just doesn't like it. Period. I've said this before - it's like she's 9 months old and has figured out that she doesn't like to be strapped in. We did ok for about 20 minutes... then the socks and shoes started being thrown at me, lots of screaming and spitting. We had a long ways to go. I tried what I could (but pretty difficult when I'm the one driving... and need to keep myself and the kids safe). Kayson did well - he just sits there and watches her throw her fits. Poor kid. We FINALLY got to the farm.
We visited (as much as we could) with Mom. She was confused and overwhelmed that we were there. It's so hard. The house is not my childhood home anymore... it's cluttered with crap, it's decorated with fall stuff (which, yes, it's fall, but it's been that way for 3 years - even in the heat of July). It's dusty and just unorganized. It's not my Mom and Dad's house. It's sad. Luckily it was a beautiful day, and we just sat outside. (That made it a little easier for me). I took some pictures of the kids on the farm, so we have the memories.
We then went into town for lunch... and met everyone, except Ash (she had to work). We had a nice lunch, and my kids ate! HUGE! Then we went to the park for a couple hours. The kids had a great time, and were completely worn out by 2:30.
We then just played at Tricia's for a while... I tried to get Cora to rest, but she wouldn't. I even took her for a ride (again, like she's 9 months old!)... and it worked, until I had to get her out. Bummer. So we just pushed through her tiredness, and tried to keep her busy. Hope needed a few things, so we went with her to the Dollar General store and just farted around, passing the time. Then we headed to Jill and Jeff's for supper - pizza. We had a really good time there... Kayson loves it there, and just being with cousin Ryan.
We got baths taken there, and got on the road around 8:30. It was a little later than I had planned, but it worked out perfectly - as Cora slept!!!! The drive was quiet. :)
Overall, it was a good day. It was fun (even though it's a lot of work).
Saturday was a day for me, the kids and my family. Ryan was going to be going to the night Iowa football game, and I really didn't want to stick around at home. So the kids and I headed up to Clarion for the day. Our drive was interesting... thanks to our daughter (or how I like to say 'Ryan's daughter'). :) She just doesn't like it. Period. I've said this before - it's like she's 9 months old and has figured out that she doesn't like to be strapped in. We did ok for about 20 minutes... then the socks and shoes started being thrown at me, lots of screaming and spitting. We had a long ways to go. I tried what I could (but pretty difficult when I'm the one driving... and need to keep myself and the kids safe). Kayson did well - he just sits there and watches her throw her fits. Poor kid. We FINALLY got to the farm.
We visited (as much as we could) with Mom. She was confused and overwhelmed that we were there. It's so hard. The house is not my childhood home anymore... it's cluttered with crap, it's decorated with fall stuff (which, yes, it's fall, but it's been that way for 3 years - even in the heat of July). It's dusty and just unorganized. It's not my Mom and Dad's house. It's sad. Luckily it was a beautiful day, and we just sat outside. (That made it a little easier for me). I took some pictures of the kids on the farm, so we have the memories.
We then went into town for lunch... and met everyone, except Ash (she had to work). We had a nice lunch, and my kids ate! HUGE! Then we went to the park for a couple hours. The kids had a great time, and were completely worn out by 2:30.
We then just played at Tricia's for a while... I tried to get Cora to rest, but she wouldn't. I even took her for a ride (again, like she's 9 months old!)... and it worked, until I had to get her out. Bummer. So we just pushed through her tiredness, and tried to keep her busy. Hope needed a few things, so we went with her to the Dollar General store and just farted around, passing the time. Then we headed to Jill and Jeff's for supper - pizza. We had a really good time there... Kayson loves it there, and just being with cousin Ryan.
We got baths taken there, and got on the road around 8:30. It was a little later than I had planned, but it worked out perfectly - as Cora slept!!!! The drive was quiet. :)
Overall, it was a good day. It was fun (even though it's a lot of work).
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| Been curling her hair... it's so pretty. |
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| With Cousin Lindsay |
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| Home of the Cowboys & Cowgirls |
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| Love. |
Monday, September 14, 2015
Our Monday
It's Monday night already... love it. Today and tonight went fast... and hoping the rest of the week does as well!
Tonight after supper, the kids and Ryan played a little football in the backyard. I love it, especially since Cora wanted to be in on it! She's slow... but she had fun!
Tonight after supper, the kids and Ryan played a little football in the backyard. I love it, especially since Cora wanted to be in on it! She's slow... but she had fun!
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Weekend
A weekend at home!!! It's been a really good weekend.
Friday Ryan got home from MN around 4ish... I left work a little early as well to clean up the house and prep for our night. We got the kids home and situated... our sitter came around 5:00. Ryan and I headed out to his cousins wedding... it was a much needed evening for us. I've had a couple bad days with Cora and just really needing/wanting Ryan home, so when we got in the car to leave, I said to him - "I'm SOOO glad you are home!" And we had a great night celebrating Ashley's wedding day.
Saturday we had nothing... Ryan didn't go into work, there wasn't a home FB game... it was great. We were up a little early with Missy Moo, but that was ok. We hung out at home, played, and watched the Iowa/Iowa State game... with a huge win from the Hawks. Thank goodness!!!
Saturday night I got groceries, and we just hung out... We had a couple big changes/things happen with the kids on Saturday. #1 -- we changed Cora's bed to a true toddler bed. No more crib. I literally couldn't lift her 35 pounds up over/out of the crib!!! Her nap didn't go well (took her awhile to STAY in the bed), but bedtime went well. So hopefully she figures out it's ok to stay in bed! ha. (her brother did AWESOME with his adjustment to the toddler bed way back when!) and #2 -- we are trying a bed wetting alarm system for Kayson. He's almost 7, and he still wets in the middle of the night. Our doctor is not worried at all... but we tend to be bothered, mostly for purchasing pull-ups still!! So... we just bit the bullet and purchased the alarm. We tried it out Saturday night... he 'went' at around 11:00, and the alarm woke him. We'll see how it goes, we've heard really good things about it, so we are thinking positive!!
And today was church. The kids started Sunday School!!! Kayson was the only kid in his class, so we are hoping more kids will show next week! And Cora had a couple other kiddos in her class. She, of course had a fit, but then eventually stopped and didn't cry. We anticipate it getting better and her enjoying it. Again, thinking positive! I wish I would have gotten a picture!
It's been a good weekend. We needed the time with just us 4 and also just Mom and Dad time!! and again, it's been beautiful weather!! Love it.
Friday Ryan got home from MN around 4ish... I left work a little early as well to clean up the house and prep for our night. We got the kids home and situated... our sitter came around 5:00. Ryan and I headed out to his cousins wedding... it was a much needed evening for us. I've had a couple bad days with Cora and just really needing/wanting Ryan home, so when we got in the car to leave, I said to him - "I'm SOOO glad you are home!" And we had a great night celebrating Ashley's wedding day.
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| Car selfie. :) |
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| and it's a win!!!! |
And today was church. The kids started Sunday School!!! Kayson was the only kid in his class, so we are hoping more kids will show next week! And Cora had a couple other kiddos in her class. She, of course had a fit, but then eventually stopped and didn't cry. We anticipate it getting better and her enjoying it. Again, thinking positive! I wish I would have gotten a picture!
It's been a good weekend. We needed the time with just us 4 and also just Mom and Dad time!! and again, it's been beautiful weather!! Love it.
Flag Football
We are trying flag football this fall... Ryan is also one of his coaches. Today was fun... beautiful out!! One 'game' down and I think Kayson really enjoys it already. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch everything, due to miss Cora, but we were outside getting fresh air and attempting to watch brother.
The highlight of the 2 hours --- he got a touchdown! YIPPEE! It was so cool!!
The highlight of the 2 hours --- he got a touchdown! YIPPEE! It was so cool!!
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| Go Kayson!!! |
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Weekend & Labor Day
Friday night our weekend began with Papa and Grandma visiting... and staying with us. We stayed in, grilled out... and played.
Saturday was the first Iowa Football game! (I should be more excited, but I'm not... ha.) It just ends up being a super busy time in our lives, and we just don't get to have Ryan home. Anyway, Ryan and his dad headed over to the game... kids, JeanAnn and I hung out. I actually had a hair appointment Saturday morning, so I was away for a couple hours. Then we did lunch, and a Target run. Cora rested, and we just layed low. I didn't even watch the game!
The guys got home at a good time... we had a quick supper at home... then that was our day!
Sunday we had church outside at a near-by park. I enjoyed that!!! And the kids got to play at the play set. Score. However, they both were crabby and just not very good for us. We did lunch out, which may have been a mistake, as both of them were in tears at one point. Awesome. So we headed home and they both rested. Yes, even Kayson.
Meanwhile, I got us packed up... and once they were awake, we headed down to Creston. Everyone was going to be home for the Labor Day celebration... we always have a nice time. The boys (both big and small) went to the tractor pulls in Diagonal, while us girls (big and small) just stayed at the house and played. We grilled out and enjoyed supper, then Bill, Joni and their family visited, which was fun. The kids played hard, as Colby and Kylie were there! Sweaty boys!
And Monday was the Labor Day parade in Diagonal... lots and lots of tractors, old cars and candy. It was a warm morning too, so I was sweaty!! ha. Kayson loved it... and Cora was being shy. She just sat the majority of the time while Kayson brought her some candy!! Lazy princess. :) After the parade, we headed to Grandma's farm for lunch. Everyone was there, and we had such a good time. The kids just play so hard... Kayson loves the farm, even better when his cousins are there. It was nice to just visit with everyone.
We headed home mid-afternoon... home to do some more cleaning and laundry. And the kids hit the sack early, they were so tired. We finally got Ryan's bathroom stuff moved down to the basement bath... I got mine moved over to the master, and the kids' stuff into the hall bath. Everything is clean, and somewhat organized! Then I was tired!
It was a nice 3-day weekend.
Pictures below!
Saturday was the first Iowa Football game! (I should be more excited, but I'm not... ha.) It just ends up being a super busy time in our lives, and we just don't get to have Ryan home. Anyway, Ryan and his dad headed over to the game... kids, JeanAnn and I hung out. I actually had a hair appointment Saturday morning, so I was away for a couple hours. Then we did lunch, and a Target run. Cora rested, and we just layed low. I didn't even watch the game!
The guys got home at a good time... we had a quick supper at home... then that was our day!
Sunday we had church outside at a near-by park. I enjoyed that!!! And the kids got to play at the play set. Score. However, they both were crabby and just not very good for us. We did lunch out, which may have been a mistake, as both of them were in tears at one point. Awesome. So we headed home and they both rested. Yes, even Kayson.
Meanwhile, I got us packed up... and once they were awake, we headed down to Creston. Everyone was going to be home for the Labor Day celebration... we always have a nice time. The boys (both big and small) went to the tractor pulls in Diagonal, while us girls (big and small) just stayed at the house and played. We grilled out and enjoyed supper, then Bill, Joni and their family visited, which was fun. The kids played hard, as Colby and Kylie were there! Sweaty boys!
And Monday was the Labor Day parade in Diagonal... lots and lots of tractors, old cars and candy. It was a warm morning too, so I was sweaty!! ha. Kayson loved it... and Cora was being shy. She just sat the majority of the time while Kayson brought her some candy!! Lazy princess. :) After the parade, we headed to Grandma's farm for lunch. Everyone was there, and we had such a good time. The kids just play so hard... Kayson loves the farm, even better when his cousins are there. It was nice to just visit with everyone.
We headed home mid-afternoon... home to do some more cleaning and laundry. And the kids hit the sack early, they were so tired. We finally got Ryan's bathroom stuff moved down to the basement bath... I got mine moved over to the master, and the kids' stuff into the hall bath. Everything is clean, and somewhat organized! Then I was tired!
It was a nice 3-day weekend.
Pictures below!
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| Loading up at the parade! (and they my kids don't ever eat it!!!) |
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| Chit Chatting with Great Great Grandma! |
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| The girls!! Landry, Jenna, Brittlyn & Cora |
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| Finally... a decent pic with my girl. |
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| Lucky to have this Grandma in our lives - 99 years old! |
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| Yes, she wrote on her leg - her name. Not sure the people 'watching' her didn't stop her! |
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| Have to have a picture on Papa's mower! |
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| Duke, K, Britt & C |
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| Landry & Cora playing... Cora pushing her! |
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| Love that smile. |
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| and love that smile. |
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Kids
Well, unfortunately, this week has not been a 'smooth' week in the parenting department (for me). The kids have been testing me... pushing my buttons... not listening... and throwing fits. I know, I know - it's normal. But to me, it's so annoying. Especially with Kayson - he's almost 7!!!! He knows better... and it's not like we aren't clear on the rules.
- The iPad is the devil. :) Kayson loves it... and wants to be on it all.the.time. So we put new rules around using it. We talked about it last week - he actually helped lay the ground rules, so it wasn't just Ryan and I setting them.
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings - he can have the iPad for 20 minutes. Homework has to be done first, no exceptions. And then he can have it from time to time on the weekends, if time allows, etc.
- Monday night we did our normal stuff - dinner, playing... then I have to step away and handle Cora (bath and bed). I told Kayson he could do some puzzles or read while I got Cora taken care of. While I'm reading to Cora (in her room... quiet time, no distractions), Kayson barges in WITH THE iPAD IN HIS HANDS, and says "I'm using this!!!!" and walks away. I calmly told him he needs to put it up, it's Monday night... etc. He does not care. I continued putting Cora to bed, and I went into his room and took the iPad out of his hands. Enter - the world ending Why are rules so hard to follow???
- I've spoke of this before, but when I do the drop offs at daycare for Cora - it does not go well. We get into her classroom, she seems fine, then instantly she's sad and doesn't want me to leave. Ok, I get it. I tell her to "have a good day, I love you..." and I walk away. Enter - the world ending. She throws herself to the ground, or runs after me screaming and bawling. It's terrible. I don't coddle her, or stick around (I know that makes it worse), I simply tell her to have a good day and I'll be back later. Bawling continues. I feel bad for the teachers, I feel bad for Cora, I feel bad for all the other little boys and girls - watching her throw a fit. Embarrassing, and frustrating at the same time. And what tops it off - she doesn't do this for Ryan. Perfect.
- In general, they just don't listen. Again, knowing this is all normal... but after we've asked them to do something 2 or 3 times, I'm tired of repeating the request or even just a statement.
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