So I am busy again!

Well, it is back to our busy life again - no posts, no photos! We just went through a hurricane, but with no major damage at our house. Our kids actually liked not having power for most of the week! God was good - he sent a cool front right after the storm. Calvin is busy with 3rd grade and is learning Latin. Lydia loves her little school on MWF. I will try to keep you posted on our life - but as you know my track record isn't too great. Until later - Susan

AHHH Summer!

The kids are already enjoying summer. Calvin got a slip-n-slide for his birthday and they got to play in the water at our church's splash day.

 

 

 

 

Food Fight!

For Calvin's 8th Birthday he had a food fight with his friends. We got a chance to try and hit him with whip cream. They also got to have a pudding flicking contest to see if they could flick the chocolate pudding in each other's mouths. Last, the kids had an all out food fight. Calvin said it was great except the macaroni was hard!

 

 

 

 

Food Fight

More pictures of the food fight!

 

 

 

 

Food Fight!

More Birthday Food Fight Photos.

 

 

 

 

The Best Mother's Day

I don't have any pictures of this :( but I had to share it. Craig and the kids asked what I wanted to do to have a special day, so I chose a picnic! We went to the State Park and had a picnic on the most perfect day! It was in the high 70's, clear sky, no crowds, and awesome food! I made gourmet chicken sandwiches with a garlic/rosemary dressing, hummus, pita chips, strawberries, cookies, veggies, dip, etc. It was so yummy! We played catch with the football, Frisbee, and follow the leader! Lydia chose follow the leader, but we all got to be the leader. We stayed at the park about 2 1/2 hrs just playing, eating, and laying on the blanket enjoying the day. It couldn't have been more perfect. Calvin even remembered to wish me a Happy Mother's Day right when he woke up! My kids and husband are so wonderful! I am blessed.

We ended the day with calls to our mothers, as we are blessed by them. I think I can easily say this is the best one yet!

Some of our newest pictures

These are from Easter at Craig's parents

 

 

Here are our kids in their new rooms! Lydia got Calvin's bed and a canopy to make her feel like a princess. When she saw it she said "It is a dream come true!" I think she has seen Cinderella one too many times. Almost every night she thanks God for her canopy!

 

Here is Calvin and Kallie in his room with new furniture we brought back from my parent's house. He loves his new bed and so does Kallie! We are working on having a space room for him. It still is in progress. Hopefully this summer I will be able to finish it then!

Hectic Schedules - no photos

Once again it has been awhile since I posted a blog. We are finishing up the semester with Craig taking oodles of trips and me staying home with the kiddos. Thankfully the weather is beautiful and I have been given a 'thumbs-up' to buy plants and play in the yard! The kids have been helpful in planting and digging as well! Calvin and Craig went on a cub scout camp-out last weekend and really enjoyed it. Calvin got to fish and ride his bike with the other boys. Lydia and I played in the yard and did the usual homemaking things (clean!). My semester is slowing down, thankfully. I have some stuff to turn in and complete for my class, but not as bad as before. The grant is going well and Craig and I seem to make a fine team! It is actually working out for us to work together! Who would have thought???? Of course many other happenings, but I won't go into detail. I just love this time of year with the flowers, beautiful weather and new little baby animals all over! Speaking of babies - you should see our church! We are full of pregnant women with babies being due all the time!!!! It is so cute! Lydia loves it - she loves the fat babies and the little fingers and toes! She actually was hugging a swing seat today saying it was her baby - pretty funny! Enough rambling - thanks for reading!
SORRY NO PHOTOS

Easter at ELBC

The kids got to hunt eggs and do crafts at our church the weekend before Easter. They seem to really get into the crafts and Calvin is like every other kid - competitive to the end! Lydia on the other hand just had fun and said "Mommy I am done" when she had enough, though many eggs were still on the ground!

Sleep Walking Once Again

No pictures for this one, but I have to post this!
Craig was gone this evening when I put the kids to bed and once he came in I told him Calvin wanted to see him, as he had already been up to check and see if Daddy had gotten home. Craig went into his room and Craig kind of "woke up" Calvin. Calvin then said

I want to call Daddy, I want to say hi to him.

Craig said,

OK, you can call Daddy.

So Craig walked Calvin out to the den and told me he wanted to call Daddy. I said sure, dialed Craig's cell number and gave it to Calvin. Calvin sat on the couch waiting for Daddy to answer. Standing about a 6 feet way from Calvin, Craig answered his cell phone. Calvin still was sitting there in a daze when Craig answered. Calvin then said "Hi Daddy" and when Craig said "Hi Calvin" Calvin must of woken up at that point because he looked up really confused and surprised to see Craig standing in front of him. We just started laughing then which I am sure kind of startled him more. He basically woke up then kind of laughing and amazed at how he didn't realize Craig was Daddy.... This isn't a strange occurrence for Calvin, as he sometimes has very funny sleep walking experiences. We always get a good laugh out of it! Hope you did too.

The Pinewood Derby

This is the first year Calvin has participated in cubscouts. As a result, we got to experience the thrill of pinewood derby racing! Calvin made a car and so did Lydia, who is considered a "me too". Of course they didn't do this alone. Craig's dad is really great with woodworking and took on the project. Thank you Grandpa! We had a great time racing and Craig's parents were able to attend.

Calvin's car came in first place twice and second place twice, which qualified him for the finals. However, the cars in the finals were very fast and Calvin didn't win. There were about 15 or so cars in his group, which made it harder for him to win. He did have a great car and really had a great time.



In the "me too" group there were only 4 cars. Three of the cars had the same shape - a block of cheese (triangular shaped). Her's was the only car with a different shape so I guess that is why she won best in show for her class. She also won first place out of the four cars each time, allowing her to win best in speed in her class. She was so proud. She now has two trophies.





Both kids got a blue ribbon for doing their best, along with the other entries and they also both won a t-shirt in a drawing. Next year Mommy is going to enter!!! They have an adult section too. We are already planning for next year!!!

We are Baaaaaaaaack!

Well, as usual I have started something and have not kept it up! As you see it has been awhile since my last blog. Instead of waiting to get the time to add pictures, I have opted to just give you an update!

Our semester has started once again. Calvin is doing well in school and is in cub scouts now. He really enjoys that! He also is now in a golf clinic for kids on Saturdays. Of course he continues to love Star Wars, Lego Star Wars PS2 games, Lego Star Wars for his Gameboy, and he also is creating his own mini Lego Star Wars Movie.

Lydia continues to love going to preschool at Discovery Days twice a week. However, she seems to be fixated on two boys hitting her. I think this has happend once with each boy, but she brings it up often! I just tell her they love her and don't know how to say they are mad. That satisfies her for the time being. Lydia also is enjoying her Polly Pockets and babies! However, right now she insists she wants a baby brother! I don't think that will happen though. She just needs to enjoy our friends' babies. There will be an abundance of those around here soon. Something is in the water!

Craig has started his 3 yr grant working with drug abusing adolescents. The kids enter through Montgomery County Juv. Probation and then are randomized to two different treatments. He has students at SHSU helping, MCJP, Phoenix House, and myself! I was hired as his project coordinator. We are actually enjoying working together! Who would have thought?

I am taking just one class right now at SHSU but that is enough for me. I am finishing up some research from last semester, starting to work on my thesis, helping Craig part-time, and being a mommy. It will take an adjustment to juggle all this. As soon as I think things will slow down they pick back up again.

Last, Craig and I recently celebrated 14 years of marriage in December and I turned 38! Notice I didn't celebrate that. However, it didn't keep me from eating cake!!

My next post WILL include pictures, as I have just bought a new camera with my Christmas money. It will take some time adjusting to it, but it is fun practicing.

Anyway, this really turned out to be a long letter. Hope you enjoyed your update in our busy lives!