Busy busy busy

As usual, I'm running like mad.  Today I dropped the kids off and picked up my mom who had her gallbladder out last week, we had breakfast, then went to her 10 day post-op check-up. She's all clear. YAY!  After the dr. we hit the mall, ok that sounds BIG, we hit two stores in the mall. Disney store, of course, I can't go into the mall without going in. And Borders as they carry the books my daughter "needed".   Disney was cool. Mom got Tori a Tinkerbell jean jacket, all 3 little kids jammies, and pre-ordered Jungle Books 40th anniversary edition. Merry Christmas!!!!! :o)

I got home did house work, started working on the invites to Beth's bday bash, and had lunch with Dad. I picked up the kids, and fed them a snack. In a few we're off to Katie's ballet and to watch the last bit of Beth's game and pick her up.

Tim has been busier than me (yes that's possible) so he's been out most nights this week. Tonight it's my turn to be out. I'm off to choir and then to my favorite Pub for some reading with music and general being out time. I won't be late Mom I promise, just a little time to sit and not do anything important.

That's my world, how's yours?

I never thought I'd see this.

When I describe  my daughter Beth, nearly 14, to my friends I'll say she's an avid reader, loves music of all varieties, enjoys dressing up for occassions. Dances ballet, and generally tolerates school as the average school attending child seems to be. In fact she enjoys 99% of school. She does love to learn and is fascinated by science and math, odd child.

But in all my years until now, I never thought I'd be sharing this picture.  See the girl on the right in the red jersey with a t-shirt underneath.. THAT is Beth.  She is playing Girls FIELD HOCKEY for her high school. HOLY COW. We had to get cleats, and a mouth gaurd, she also has shin guards. I'm excited for her, but a little part of me is dying. My notreallyintosports daughter is playing on  team sport?!!  It's great though, as it's given her about 45 girls she automatically knows on campus!!! And a team big sister. :o)

I'm still not a soccer mom, now it's CHICKS WITH STICKS, I'm a Field hockey mom... who knew??!!

A few pictures

Here's one of my favorite pictures  from the trip to Tennessee.

Great Grandmother Anne, with Drew, Katie, Tori Lynn (mine) and Tori Anne (my 2nd cousin).

It's finally happened.

All 4 of my kids are in school. Some of me is doing the finally, about time, some of me is doing the finally? really? WOW!

Beth actually started last week, but I've been lacking in freetime / energy to blog. It's been REALLY hot here, and we're in a non-airconditioned home. which 99% of the time is fine. It's that 1 or 2 weeks when it's 100+ degrees where I live that makes it nasty.

Beth also is a part of the field hockey team at her school, YAY!!! Her first game was a scrimage (non-league) yesterday. She did very well, and we're all way excited.

Tori now 4th grade, Katie now 2nd grade, and Drew now Kinder all started today. My house was creepy quiet today. I finally turned the radio on for company.  I didn't get tons done, but I planned not to stress out this week, it's 3 days. I can sloth my way through these 3 days and then get to some doing stuff next week.

In other news, since my last visit, we got all 4 kids back in the house ;o)  then promptly left. We, the 6 of us and my Mom flew to Tennessee to visit my family there. AMAZING trip!!! It was totally awesome all the way around. Getting to show off the sights to my kids was so fun. Seeing my grandmother was just fantastic, and reconnecting with my cousin (and now his family) was truly wonderful. I'm so excited to have made this trip. We're hoping Joe and family will come visit us next summer.

I'm off time to get Beth, and get my littles ready for bed.

 

Up to TWO

kids that is.  Katie returned to us Friday afternoon. She was tired, but a very happy girl. She had a great time. She loved all of it, except canoeing (they're tippy and she's not a great swimmer).

Drew spent the weekend with Tim's parents, so it was just us and Katie. Which was fun for her return.  They came yesterday to drop Drew off and have dinner with us. Quite a lovely visit.

Salvation Army called Thursday morning, I got bumped to Saturday morning. No problem. Just meant more stuff for them to take. The playroom is done, girls room 2/3 done.   This is just toys. I still have to do clothes. Which I must start asap (today?) as we leave soon for our vacation to visit my Grandmother. My Beth and Tori met her 8 years ago. I can't wait for her to meet the rest of my crew.

 

I'm off. I will get more work done. oh yeah, and PACK

Where I've been

Tim and I went away last weekend to celebrate our anniversary. We headed to Solvang, just north of Santa Barbara. We went to several wine tastings, wandered the town, shopped in the funnest little shops, and just hung out together. It was wonderful. We stayed at the Peterson Inn, which is a really lovely hotel, with an amazing dining room! Dinners were to die for.

We got home Sunday around 7pm, and got the 3girls packed and ready to leave for Camp Monday morning. Safely on the bus, Katie looked a little nervous, but Smiled HUGE when they were pulling out. She returns Friday, I cannot wait to hear her adventures. Tori and Beth will return the following Wednesday.

It's been odd, but very fun having only one child. Yesterday Drew and I had brunch with Nana Kay,  played legos, then played with the Thomas set he has, then hotwheels cars, then watched a movie.  After dinner he took a bath, and then watched another movie with Dad before crashing.  Today he went to a half day, day camp at the gymnastics gym, he loved it, and behaved superiorly well. So the rest of the week, behavior appropriate he goes all day, and gets to do the extra activities. Tomorrow after lunch they'll walk to the park to play on the equipment there, and play ball. Friday they'll go swimming at the nearby HS. I'm going to meet them there to supervise him. Not withstanding the abilities of the coaches and staff. My son is fearless, and a rock in water. He sinks. I'll go and swim with him.

He is now watching Lady and the Tramp II while I finish up here. I'll go throw dinner together for us in a minute. DH is out tonight, so I'm just cooking for two. ;oD   Early to bed, for a fun day tomorrow.

 

While Drew was playing today I cleaned out the playroom, I called Salvation Army, they are coming Thursday to pick up my stuff. YAY! I've already got 3 big bags filled up. The play room is half done. After the playroom, I'm attacking the girls' room, then Drew and Beth's room. Clean house here I come!

 

A few photos from recent events.

      One elephant ride for 5 please.  We rode Kitty at the County Fair. Her skin was much softer than I expected, but her hair prickled.                 

 Here the kids are watching Circus performers during the preshow "show".                                                

  Baby Jack  with Mom, Dad, Me, Tim, and A and N the other two God-parents. :o) A magical day!!!!