Going to C.F. I love going there!! Today we are meeting Sarah at Z's to return her son. I think he really had good time. He said the only thing he misses (besides his parents) is sleeping. My kids tend to make that impossible.
Yesterday we left the pool early because we tried a new one and it stunk!! Plus the kids were fighting and not listening. When we got home and changed they said it was too hot to play outside. They just sat here and looked at me as if they were waiting for the next trick!! So, we baked cookies. It was already 3, and I had to leave for work at 4:15 so it was a small batch! I think they really enjoyed it, though. After it cooled off they played outside. When I came home at 11:30 they were all on the pull-out with the t.v. on. Dax and Shae were still awake. I think as long as the t.v. is on they would never fall asleep. As soon as I shut it off they passed out.
Well, have a good day. I will see some of you all at Jenny's shower tomorrow. Sounds like a good time.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I REALLY HATE THIS SITE
I am not sure if it is just me, but I am having a heck of a time getting pictures to load. I have tried at least 10 times and only loaded 2 pictures, then I started typing and they disappeared! To say the least, my blood was boiling!!
We had a great day yesterday. We got up early and all got bathed to go to the Iowa Children's Museum. We ate lunch at home, to save money, and then we napped (well, they napped) on the way there. We got there about noon. The kids went into the "store" area first. They had fun pushing the carts and picking out the food they would like. While they were in there a little girl took a big dump on the floor. It was quite funny!! Her mom acted like it was nothing. After that we went into the "hospital" area. I have to say this was my favorite. There was an ambulance with a running video of what a paramedic does. It also had a video of the road so the kids could pretend to drive. Braydon enjoyed driving. The back of the ambulance opened up into an exam room. It was complete with a closet of crutches and canes for the kids. They were the perfect size!! Keghan took Reagan up on the exam table and gave her a complete check up. Watch out Dr. Mersch, she was a lot cheaper! Then there was a baby nursery with 3 hospital baby bassinets. There was a running interactive video of how to diaper, bathe, and other baby things. This, of course, was Keghan's favorite! She rapped the anatomically correct babies and showed the other kids how to swaddle. In the next part was a dentist chair. This is where Jordan shined. He sat Braydon down in the chair and gave him a check up. There were model teeth to practice brushing and books (as in every room) about teeth care and dentistry. The last part of the hospital was an X-ray room. There was the area for the tech. and the patient. After they took the X-rays they could put them up on the lighted wall to see the results. Very exciting. Of course, it wasn't real X-rays, there is the small problem of radiation exposure!! There was also an entire wall of the human body and it's parts that the kids can label. Fun times. Then we went into the "pizzeria". The kids got to create their own plastic pizza and figure out how much it would cost by the price sheet on the wall. Then, I gave them money and they figured out the change. It was fun. Shaelynn really liked making the pizza and they were all great at the math. The next thing we did was the art center. I was less than impressed with this. It could have been fun, but there was no one in there to lead the kids. So, if you have a baby, which I do, then you have to let the kids explore it on their own. Everything was in labeled bins and hard to reach. So, they had some glue, crayons, stamps and puff balls. Pretty much the same stuff we have here. So, I get them out as quickly as possible. On to the balls and ramps. As I predicted, the boys loved it and the girls were bored!! Keghan liked to load the balls on one ramp and see how many would make it through, and Shae played with the train set. But the boys were in heaven. There was a roller coaster for golf balls They climbed to the top of a big ladder and let the balls go! If they made it to the end they won. They tried so hard. Most of the time they would fly into the middle of the room. Not the safest place for a baby!! While they were playing in the balls and ramps there was an announcement that they were going to have a special musician in the theater. So we raced over to enjoy him. When we got there there was a giant circle of wonderful hide drums. I sat Shae and Jordan down on some and got shakers and castanets for the rest. Finally something Reagan was enjoying!! She was rocking in her stroller. Then they all started complaining that it was too loud with everyone banging on the drums. So, we left. We went on to the "construction zone". In there the kids put on hard hats, safety goggles, and aprons and went to work building a house. There was a pre made frame and lots of boards and pipes to finish the job. The girls dove right in and worked together to build a wall. It took some finesse because the bolts didn't quite fit. They got the job done, and Jordan was a great supervisor! Then we went to the sand room. When we got there there was a group of Korean tourist. They were asking the kids questions and taking their pictures. It was interesting to say the least. Then they left and the kids had fun playing in the sand that has wax in it to mold it. The last exhibit we went to was the farm. The kids dressed as animals, planted crops and sold them at a stand. They had fun navigating the hill and slides that were in there. Finally, we left. I was ready and so was Reagan. ALL the kids fell asleep on the way home. After a quick dinner we left again. Half of us to the ball park, half of us to the church. I took Shaelynn and Dax to the church for Shae's kindergarten party. They did games and had a snack. She was very crabby and whinny. She has had a rough time with Jordan here. Jordan and Keghan have really been excluding Shae. She tries, but they change the rules to make her out, or just walk away. Usually Keghan is good about playing with her, but not this week. I feel really bad for Shae, but yelling at them will just make it worse. So, I try to redirect play and include her, but it isn't easy. Her feelings get hurt! Anyway, the rest of the fam went to the ball park to start watching a double header. We were rained out the night before, so we got an extra treat. After Shae's party we met all up together again. We had popcorn, nachos and lemonade. Gerrick took Dax, Braydon and Reagan home around 9 and the rest of us stayed until 10:10!!! The kids went to bed easy!!!
This morning we just sat around and played outside. I don't think Jordan is used to our lazy mornings. But, if we want to do anything we have to let the little kids rest. We always have to have a rest period, or everything else is a no-go!!!
I have to work tonight, and tomorrow we take Jordan home. I think I am ready! He has been good, but just one more kid in the equation opens up a lot more potential arguments. Especially when it seems like it is 2 on 3!!
We are off to the pool one more time. Hopefully I will remember my camera this time. Then maybe the site will work and I can post them!!!
P.S. I tried again, no luck with the pictures. VERY MAD!!!!
We had a great day yesterday. We got up early and all got bathed to go to the Iowa Children's Museum. We ate lunch at home, to save money, and then we napped (well, they napped) on the way there. We got there about noon. The kids went into the "store" area first. They had fun pushing the carts and picking out the food they would like. While they were in there a little girl took a big dump on the floor. It was quite funny!! Her mom acted like it was nothing. After that we went into the "hospital" area. I have to say this was my favorite. There was an ambulance with a running video of what a paramedic does. It also had a video of the road so the kids could pretend to drive. Braydon enjoyed driving. The back of the ambulance opened up into an exam room. It was complete with a closet of crutches and canes for the kids. They were the perfect size!! Keghan took Reagan up on the exam table and gave her a complete check up. Watch out Dr. Mersch, she was a lot cheaper! Then there was a baby nursery with 3 hospital baby bassinets. There was a running interactive video of how to diaper, bathe, and other baby things. This, of course, was Keghan's favorite! She rapped the anatomically correct babies and showed the other kids how to swaddle. In the next part was a dentist chair. This is where Jordan shined. He sat Braydon down in the chair and gave him a check up. There were model teeth to practice brushing and books (as in every room) about teeth care and dentistry. The last part of the hospital was an X-ray room. There was the area for the tech. and the patient. After they took the X-rays they could put them up on the lighted wall to see the results. Very exciting. Of course, it wasn't real X-rays, there is the small problem of radiation exposure!! There was also an entire wall of the human body and it's parts that the kids can label. Fun times. Then we went into the "pizzeria". The kids got to create their own plastic pizza and figure out how much it would cost by the price sheet on the wall. Then, I gave them money and they figured out the change. It was fun. Shaelynn really liked making the pizza and they were all great at the math. The next thing we did was the art center. I was less than impressed with this. It could have been fun, but there was no one in there to lead the kids. So, if you have a baby, which I do, then you have to let the kids explore it on their own. Everything was in labeled bins and hard to reach. So, they had some glue, crayons, stamps and puff balls. Pretty much the same stuff we have here. So, I get them out as quickly as possible. On to the balls and ramps. As I predicted, the boys loved it and the girls were bored!! Keghan liked to load the balls on one ramp and see how many would make it through, and Shae played with the train set. But the boys were in heaven. There was a roller coaster for golf balls They climbed to the top of a big ladder and let the balls go! If they made it to the end they won. They tried so hard. Most of the time they would fly into the middle of the room. Not the safest place for a baby!! While they were playing in the balls and ramps there was an announcement that they were going to have a special musician in the theater. So we raced over to enjoy him. When we got there there was a giant circle of wonderful hide drums. I sat Shae and Jordan down on some and got shakers and castanets for the rest. Finally something Reagan was enjoying!! She was rocking in her stroller. Then they all started complaining that it was too loud with everyone banging on the drums. So, we left. We went on to the "construction zone". In there the kids put on hard hats, safety goggles, and aprons and went to work building a house. There was a pre made frame and lots of boards and pipes to finish the job. The girls dove right in and worked together to build a wall. It took some finesse because the bolts didn't quite fit. They got the job done, and Jordan was a great supervisor! Then we went to the sand room. When we got there there was a group of Korean tourist. They were asking the kids questions and taking their pictures. It was interesting to say the least. Then they left and the kids had fun playing in the sand that has wax in it to mold it. The last exhibit we went to was the farm. The kids dressed as animals, planted crops and sold them at a stand. They had fun navigating the hill and slides that were in there. Finally, we left. I was ready and so was Reagan. ALL the kids fell asleep on the way home. After a quick dinner we left again. Half of us to the ball park, half of us to the church. I took Shaelynn and Dax to the church for Shae's kindergarten party. They did games and had a snack. She was very crabby and whinny. She has had a rough time with Jordan here. Jordan and Keghan have really been excluding Shae. She tries, but they change the rules to make her out, or just walk away. Usually Keghan is good about playing with her, but not this week. I feel really bad for Shae, but yelling at them will just make it worse. So, I try to redirect play and include her, but it isn't easy. Her feelings get hurt! Anyway, the rest of the fam went to the ball park to start watching a double header. We were rained out the night before, so we got an extra treat. After Shae's party we met all up together again. We had popcorn, nachos and lemonade. Gerrick took Dax, Braydon and Reagan home around 9 and the rest of us stayed until 10:10!!! The kids went to bed easy!!!
This morning we just sat around and played outside. I don't think Jordan is used to our lazy mornings. But, if we want to do anything we have to let the little kids rest. We always have to have a rest period, or everything else is a no-go!!!
I have to work tonight, and tomorrow we take Jordan home. I think I am ready! He has been good, but just one more kid in the equation opens up a lot more potential arguments. Especially when it seems like it is 2 on 3!!
We are off to the pool one more time. Hopefully I will remember my camera this time. Then maybe the site will work and I can post them!!!
P.S. I tried again, no luck with the pictures. VERY MAD!!!!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Rough night!!!
I got a few of the pics on. The kids at Chuck's and eating. And one of them looking at the young bird. I will get more on tomorrow, it is acting up again.
I am typing quietly because Jordan is sleeping in the next room, and I don't want to wake him! All the kids have been sleeping for awhile, and Gerrick is working on some stuff for work.
We went to the pool today, and as we got our feet in the water the lightning started. So, we left. The kids were bummed to say the least. We went to Dairy Queen, and that helped. Although, Shae drove me crazy. I don't know what it is about this girl that making a simple decision is impossible. She could have 20 minutes to decide between two things and still not be ready. I looked like the worst mom in the world, I am sure, but I finally lost it. She has to know what everyone else has, what she can have, and ALL the things that I won't let her have. Then, she will decide, but wait, she changes her mind, oh, wait, maybe not, no, this time is in, well, maybe something else. See how it can get on your nerves!!!
After showering from our 4 minutes in the pool, we ate dinner. We had tickets to go to the Kernels game, and the kids were jacked!!! Then, the rain got worse, and worse, and worse. There was no sign of it letting up. So I got online and tried to find something else to do. Everything else was closed, or closing at 8. It was already 7!! We decided to go to a movie. On the way there Reagan started to throw a fit. So, we settled for 1 1/2 hours at Chuck E. Cheese's. Let me tell you, that is still not fun!! The kids had fun anyway, and that is what counts!!! However, once again, Shae would not make up her mind at the ticket counter. She wanted everything she couldn't have and nothing she could. I know this is starting to sound a little like me, but no one point it out, OK? Next time we go to Chuck's place we are giving all our tickets to the table next to us. I am not going through that again!!! Every time we go there Shae leaves crying and I end up yelling at her in the parking lot!!! The girl drives me CRAZY!!!!
We are defiantly going to the Iowa Children's Museum tomorrow. I need a day where the kids play away from me! I know they want to go anyway. Hopefully Gerrick will pick up some tickets for the night game tomorrow so we can still see a game, I know the kids were looking forward to it.
Well, time to sit alone in my room. I can't get any cleaning done a night with Jordan on the pull-out, so I will have to entertain myself with the t.v. I haven't done it in awhile, but I bet I still know how!!!
Forgot.....
Forgot the funniest story of the day.....
The kids were all in the backyard playing before the pool yesterday. They played all morning and had a great time making apple pie from the fallen apples, and lots of other games I am sure. After dinner they wanted a bag to collect all the fossils that they had found in the backyard. Jordan told me of the place where they found lots and lots of black sponge fossils, and the girls thought they could sell them and give the money to charity. So, being a sucker for charity, gave them the bag. I about had a brain bust trying not to laugh at them when they came in. They were so proud of their big bag full of black sponge fossils. Wanna know what they really were? If I didn't tell you, this would be funnier for me.
They were the used charcoal from our grill. Gerrick had been dumping them behind the bushes in a plastic bag and the bag must've over flowed!! Talk about cracking my stuff up!!! I don't think they will raise much money for charity with those, but it is the thought that counts.
Still can't post pictures, kinda mad about that~!~!~!
The kids were all in the backyard playing before the pool yesterday. They played all morning and had a great time making apple pie from the fallen apples, and lots of other games I am sure. After dinner they wanted a bag to collect all the fossils that they had found in the backyard. Jordan told me of the place where they found lots and lots of black sponge fossils, and the girls thought they could sell them and give the money to charity. So, being a sucker for charity, gave them the bag. I about had a brain bust trying not to laugh at them when they came in. They were so proud of their big bag full of black sponge fossils. Wanna know what they really were? If I didn't tell you, this would be funnier for me.
They were the used charcoal from our grill. Gerrick had been dumping them behind the bushes in a plastic bag and the bag must've over flowed!! Talk about cracking my stuff up!!! I don't think they will raise much money for charity with those, but it is the thought that counts.
Still can't post pictures, kinda mad about that~!~!~!
What Fun!
What fun we are having!! Yesterday morning in the rain there was a young bird learning to fly. It's mom was watching from a nearby branch as it sat on our front porch. The kids were ready to bring it in and put it in a shoe box for a pet. When Gerrick went to get in his car, the mother dive bombed him. So, we figured we would leave it alone. The kids watched and waited as the cold little bird rustled up the courage to jump from it's perch. It finally did, and the kids all cheered. It was exciting to see it get the confidence.
After a lunch of Jordan's choosing, we went to the pool all day. I thought we would go to the Children's Museum, but it cleared up and was beautiful!!! I saw the 7 day forecast and figured we better not pass up a good day at the pool. Worst thing that could happen is we go to the Museum on a different nice day. I was afraid we would waste the only nice day inside, and that would suck!
We had a great time at the pool. Jordan told me that his pool has go-carts and every food you ever could want. I told him I could put him in the walker and push him around in the parking lot, but apparently that's not the same! The kids had fun going down the water slides and playing in the sand. We were there for over 2 hours!
After the pool we went to the store to get stuff for dinner. The kids wanted to have shiskabobs. So, I cut up the veggies and let them make their own. The only catch, they had to have at least 3 different veggies. They did pretty well. Although Shae's was ALL tomatoes and mushrooms with one small green pepper. They ended up eating one of everything. Sarah, Jordan LOVES zucchini. For dessert they made some short cakes with strawberries and raspberries.
My children have a real problem with bed time. They have trouble shutting their mouths. Jordan lays right down on the pull-out and says nothing after "I love you, goodnight." My children, however, scream at each other, sword fight, talk about the day, scream at each other, jump on their beds, color, read, scream at each other, and drive me crazy!! I finally decided last night to just scream until I popped a blood vessel in my forehead (not really). I told Keghan to ignore Shae and Shae to shut-up. If Jordan can fall asleep around all that chaos, then Keghan call fall asleep with Shae babbling. Now, I know Jordan might have been talking if he wasn't alone, but I made him my poster child in regards to bed time. Up-side, I didn't have to go back in all night.
We got up today and tried the new omelet recipes that mom sent in an e-mail. The kids loved making their own, and they tasted really good. I will definitely be doing them every Saturday. The bad part is my kids each hogged down a 3 egg omelet. So, without Gerrick eating we went through 1 1/2 dozen eggs!! But I should expect that with a HUGE family!!
Well, time to finally clean up breakfast. As I wrote this I; broke up two fights, folded 2 loads of laundry, started a load of laundry, changed a diaper, went potty, rescued the baby from the other kids, and started water for the dishes. I tell ya, that's multi-tasking!!!
unfortunately the web site is not letting me post a picture right now. I have LOTS of cute pictures, and am very disappointed! I will try again before we leave. SORRY!~!!
After a lunch of Jordan's choosing, we went to the pool all day. I thought we would go to the Children's Museum, but it cleared up and was beautiful!!! I saw the 7 day forecast and figured we better not pass up a good day at the pool. Worst thing that could happen is we go to the Museum on a different nice day. I was afraid we would waste the only nice day inside, and that would suck!
We had a great time at the pool. Jordan told me that his pool has go-carts and every food you ever could want. I told him I could put him in the walker and push him around in the parking lot, but apparently that's not the same! The kids had fun going down the water slides and playing in the sand. We were there for over 2 hours!
After the pool we went to the store to get stuff for dinner. The kids wanted to have shiskabobs. So, I cut up the veggies and let them make their own. The only catch, they had to have at least 3 different veggies. They did pretty well. Although Shae's was ALL tomatoes and mushrooms with one small green pepper. They ended up eating one of everything. Sarah, Jordan LOVES zucchini. For dessert they made some short cakes with strawberries and raspberries.
My children have a real problem with bed time. They have trouble shutting their mouths. Jordan lays right down on the pull-out and says nothing after "I love you, goodnight." My children, however, scream at each other, sword fight, talk about the day, scream at each other, jump on their beds, color, read, scream at each other, and drive me crazy!! I finally decided last night to just scream until I popped a blood vessel in my forehead (not really). I told Keghan to ignore Shae and Shae to shut-up. If Jordan can fall asleep around all that chaos, then Keghan call fall asleep with Shae babbling. Now, I know Jordan might have been talking if he wasn't alone, but I made him my poster child in regards to bed time. Up-side, I didn't have to go back in all night.
We got up today and tried the new omelet recipes that mom sent in an e-mail. The kids loved making their own, and they tasted really good. I will definitely be doing them every Saturday. The bad part is my kids each hogged down a 3 egg omelet. So, without Gerrick eating we went through 1 1/2 dozen eggs!! But I should expect that with a HUGE family!!
Well, time to finally clean up breakfast. As I wrote this I; broke up two fights, folded 2 loads of laundry, started a load of laundry, changed a diaper, went potty, rescued the baby from the other kids, and started water for the dishes. I tell ya, that's multi-tasking!!!
unfortunately the web site is not letting me post a picture right now. I have LOTS of cute pictures, and am very disappointed! I will try again before we leave. SORRY!~!!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Jordan is Here!!!
Jordan is here, and what a time we are having! He has been so good, so far. He had some problems getting to sleep with all the craziness that happens here at bed time!! But, he slept and he is doing well.
It looks like it will rain all day, so we are heading out to the Iowa Children's Museum. It should be fun. I will take some pictures for the blog tomorrow!!
Last night we went to town to get Jordan. Shaelynn wasn't feeling well, so I just took Keghan and Reagan and let the rest stay home. We were able to visit Great Grandma Carney and Great Grandma and Great Grandpa
VanLengen. It was great!!! It was nice to be able to sit and visit without having to chase the boys and Shae! Afterwards we met up with Joe, Abby, Lauren, Sarah, B.J., Jordan, Dad, and Dad's new friend Holly. We sat and visited at Dad's then we went to El Mariachi's for dinner. Thanks, Dad, for dinner! Keghan ate herself sick, so we left. I don't think she realized how much milk she had drank!!! She felt better before we were even on the 
highway, and that made me feel better! Her and Jordan had a great ride home talking about school, and what they were going to do this week. When we got home Braydon was already asleep and the rest were off to bed! Today we got up and had breakfast and the kids are watching t.v. waiting for the shower. It should be interesting to see if the hot water will make it through!! 
I have some pictures of the kids room finished. There is also one of Braydon wearing his kid's meal box on his head Saturday. We wanted the kids in bed by 7 so they would sleep well after a late night the night before, so we go them kid's meals. It was quite an experience. They HATE fast food, and were pretty upset!
Have a great day, I know I will!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
