After having 2 days off last week and being gone this past weekend, we are getting back into the swing of things. Although, in two weeks the boys will have2 days where they go for 1/2 days and then off the rest of Thanksgiving week. The husband has the week off which will be nice. We will also have conferences with their teachers. It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Time to start planning.
The boys start basketball practice this week. They were unable to make their evaluations but luckily the coordinator has coached our boys before and knows their ability. Practices will be on Thursdays and games begin in December. We are hoping the boys will become a little more aggressive on the court.
Recently, Jay has become a list person. He keeps his notebook handy and writes himself notes. Oh like mother like son. I love me a list or two. Jay has also typed out a Christmas list. He sits at the PC with the big toy edition from ToysRus and I think has listed almost every toy in the book. E on the other hand is good with just writing his items on a piece of paper. He originally had 6 items on his list but added additional items that he then crossed off. Yes, I love their differences.
I am now working on the Fundraiser for Tee's preschool. They are selling a coupon book, a really good one for this area. I spent a good 6 hours getting it all ready and delivered to school. Hopefully, this will go smooth because their are not too many families. The older boys school fundraiser will be completed in December with the delivery of cookie dough, but I have some work to do prior to then. We have not raised enough money so we are looking into some different ways to generate some funds.
The weather has been really nice here. The weatherman said that this would probably be our last warm spell for a while. Tee has soccer tomorrow and after that we will head to the park to have lunch and play for a while. When I reminded Tee about soccer tomorrow, he was so excited and said I will go and be the star of the league. That cracks me up....where would he have gotten that.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cousins
It has been a very long time since we have visited the husband's hometown. It has been over 8 years. Now through this time we have seen his family but have not seen his sister's and their children in a long time. Grandma visits us a couple of times a year.
The boys had last Friday off so we decided to take the long weekend for a visit. The boys were excited to see where their Grandma lived and see their cousins.
We pulled the boys out of school early on Thursday to catch our flight early afternoon. Tee sat near his Dad. As the plane was taking off, he looks at his Dad and says "I don't like this we need to land now". But he ended up doing fine as did the boys.
It was a weekend of revolving houses. The first night we were at Grandma's house and everybody came over for dinner. The second and third night were at his sister's houses. It was a weekend filled of yummy food and fun.
The boys loved playing with their cousins. E and Jay got two of their older cousins to play football with them. They were in heaven.
My boys stayed up late most nights and they were all exhausted each night.
Grandma with all of her grandchildren! What a great looking group of kids.
All of us. Thank goodness for the timer on the camera.
Funny enough, many years ago we had a picture taken of all the adults sitting on each other. Grandma decided she needed another one because we were missing a husband. The kids decided they wanted to have the same picture taken.
Mom and her kids!
Siblings! 
The boys had last Friday off so we decided to take the long weekend for a visit. The boys were excited to see where their Grandma lived and see their cousins.
We pulled the boys out of school early on Thursday to catch our flight early afternoon. Tee sat near his Dad. As the plane was taking off, he looks at his Dad and says "I don't like this we need to land now". But he ended up doing fine as did the boys.
It was a weekend of revolving houses. The first night we were at Grandma's house and everybody came over for dinner. The second and third night were at his sister's houses. It was a weekend filled of yummy food and fun.
The boys loved playing with their cousins. E and Jay got two of their older cousins to play football with them. They were in heaven.
My boys stayed up late most nights and they were all exhausted each night.
Grandma with all of her grandchildren! What a great looking group of kids.
All of us. Thank goodness for the timer on the camera.
Funny enough, many years ago we had a picture taken of all the adults sitting on each other. Grandma decided she needed another one because we were missing a husband. The kids decided they wanted to have the same picture taken.
Mom and her kids!
Siblings!
Tee's cousin Ryan buddied up for the weekend. Everyone came over to Grandma's for lunch on Saturday. Tee went over to his aunt and asked where Ryan was. He was so good with him.
Sunday morning we were waiting for our flight home. All was going well. Our flight was there waiting for us. At take off time the pilot came on and says we are waiting for about 15 people who were coming from another flight. So we took off about 30 minutes late.
Sunday morning we were waiting for our flight home. All was going well. Our flight was there waiting for us. At take off time the pilot came on and says we are waiting for about 15 people who were coming from another flight. So we took off about 30 minutes late.
The only part of traveling with the 5 of us was getting through security at the airport. It gets very hectic to get all of your belongs in the bucket, shoes and all. Then walk through one at a time and get all of your stuff from the buckets.
I am really glad the boys got to spend time with their cousins. It is so nice to see.
I am really glad the boys got to spend time with their cousins. It is so nice to see.
Let's try Soccer
Tee has said that he would like to play soccer among many other sports. He definitely wants to play t-ball but he mentioned soccer a lot. I thought it would be nice for him to try soccer. It is something different from what his brothers play and would give him his own sport.
Soccer is held indoors at a place close to our house. At this age it is just basics, how to kick the ball. No games. We go on Thursday mornings for 1 hour.
Tee got to kick the ball around.
And learn how to stop the ball.
He had such a great time. The best part was that Dad had Thursday off and was able to come watch. At the end of lesson, he came up to his Dad and said that he was the star of the league. That made us crack up and I am not sure where he got that from.
Soccer is held indoors at a place close to our house. At this age it is just basics, how to kick the ball. No games. We go on Thursday mornings for 1 hour.
Tee got to kick the ball around.
And learn how to stop the ball.
He had such a great time. The best part was that Dad had Thursday off and was able to come watch. At the end of lesson, he came up to his Dad and said that he was the star of the league. That made us crack up and I am not sure where he got that from.
Halloween
It seems as though the boys have more of a social life than I do. They were invited to a Halloween party the Friday prior to Halloween. They had a nice time although I think they were there a little too long. It was a long day for them with too many festivities and candy.
On Saturday, we went in and picked up pumpkins. I, of course, thought E and Jay would carve their own pumpkins. But after they emptied the pumpkin they were done. Each of them picked their own design and their Dad carved them all. Tee doesn't really like to get his hands dirty but he did clean out his pumpkin a little and then came in and washed his hands.
Dad did a great job on them and got a lot of compliments.
On Halloween, we had some neighbors over for dinner before heading out to trick or treat. The boys were very excited.
E was the zombie, Tee was Spiderman and Jay was a scary skeleton.
They did a lot of the neighborhood. Tee kept up pretty well but pooped out after a while. He came home and helped me pass out candy. They got a ton of candy. We sorted when they got home and they kept only a small portion.
The plan was to take the candy to the Dentist's office to sell it but the week was so busy. I think the only buy back date was on Thursday and we were not here. So now I need to find out what to do with all of the extra candy we have.
On Saturday, we went in and picked up pumpkins. I, of course, thought E and Jay would carve their own pumpkins. But after they emptied the pumpkin they were done. Each of them picked their own design and their Dad carved them all. Tee doesn't really like to get his hands dirty but he did clean out his pumpkin a little and then came in and washed his hands.
Dad did a great job on them and got a lot of compliments.
On Halloween, we had some neighbors over for dinner before heading out to trick or treat. The boys were very excited.
E was the zombie, Tee was Spiderman and Jay was a scary skeleton.
They did a lot of the neighborhood. Tee kept up pretty well but pooped out after a while. He came home and helped me pass out candy. They got a ton of candy. We sorted when they got home and they kept only a small portion.
The plan was to take the candy to the Dentist's office to sell it but the week was so busy. I think the only buy back date was on Thursday and we were not here. So now I need to find out what to do with all of the extra candy we have.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
He decided it was time
Our twins are different in so many ways. This was evident from the time they were born. And they remain very different. Of course, we love them and their differences.
The boys have always had different sleep patterns from very early on. E had no problems where as Jay had issues going to sleep and staying asleep. These have remained the same even now.
Why am I talking about sleep habits? Well, once Jay was potty trained he immediately was able to make it through the night dry. E not so much.
I brought the issue up every year with his Dr. and I got the same answer every time. He is a hard sleeper, his bladder had not matured yet and it would happen eventually. This is very common.
I didn't like this answer because I wanted him to be dry. E didn't care much about having to wear a pull-up to bed. So about a year ago I purchased a bed wetting alarm. I read the book and we went through the exercises. We tried the alarm for maybe 4 or 5 nights. Each night I had to get up to this really loud annoying alarm to make a bed. He gave it up, I didn't push and that was that.
This past July, E asked me if he could try the alarm again or as he called it that thing in which I had to ask many questions to find out what he was talking about. So I got the alarm out, purchased new batteries and he tried it again.
The first night the alarm went off and we got up to change the sheets and pajamas. The following night he was ready to give it up. He was tired. We encouraged him to give it another try. One night was not a try. The next nights were better. The alarm would wake him up in time for him to make it to the bathroom. No more sheets being changed and many nights I did not hear him. He was able to do it all on his own. It happened very quickly. Yes, now and then we may have an accident but that is ok.
I am very proud of him. He set out to do this and he did it own. It happened just like they said it would, when he was ready. And I am saving the alarm for Tee who shows absolutely no desire to be dry at night.
Now my excuse of no sleepovers (because of pull-up wearing) is no longer valid. I better think of something good quick.
The boys have always had different sleep patterns from very early on. E had no problems where as Jay had issues going to sleep and staying asleep. These have remained the same even now.
Why am I talking about sleep habits? Well, once Jay was potty trained he immediately was able to make it through the night dry. E not so much.
I brought the issue up every year with his Dr. and I got the same answer every time. He is a hard sleeper, his bladder had not matured yet and it would happen eventually. This is very common.
I didn't like this answer because I wanted him to be dry. E didn't care much about having to wear a pull-up to bed. So about a year ago I purchased a bed wetting alarm. I read the book and we went through the exercises. We tried the alarm for maybe 4 or 5 nights. Each night I had to get up to this really loud annoying alarm to make a bed. He gave it up, I didn't push and that was that.
This past July, E asked me if he could try the alarm again or as he called it that thing in which I had to ask many questions to find out what he was talking about. So I got the alarm out, purchased new batteries and he tried it again.
The first night the alarm went off and we got up to change the sheets and pajamas. The following night he was ready to give it up. He was tired. We encouraged him to give it another try. One night was not a try. The next nights were better. The alarm would wake him up in time for him to make it to the bathroom. No more sheets being changed and many nights I did not hear him. He was able to do it all on his own. It happened very quickly. Yes, now and then we may have an accident but that is ok.
I am very proud of him. He set out to do this and he did it own. It happened just like they said it would, when he was ready. And I am saving the alarm for Tee who shows absolutely no desire to be dry at night.
Now my excuse of no sleepovers (because of pull-up wearing) is no longer valid. I better think of something good quick.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wonderland
Our October calendar was very full. I don't know that we had a free weekend. Last spring, we bid (at the school auction) and won tickets to Dutch Wonderland. It is an amusement park about an hour away from us. It is a little smaller on scale and good for younger children. The tickets expired mid-October so we felt that we had to use them.
We left early one Saturday morning and spent the entire day at the park. As luck would have it my camera ran out of battery life so my pictures were limited.
A little fun with Tee while waiting for his brothers to get off of a ride.
Mom and boys on the train ride!
Tee was not sure about the train ride at first but loved it.
The husband had to do bumper cars 3 times, one time with each child. Tee liked the ride but he was very scared.
Well, I got the letter in the mail and we received 4 complimentary tickets to go back. Nice right? Yes, but the tickets expire in December of 2010. Come on Dutch Wonderland....really......you couldn't splurge and have the tickets expire sometime in 2011. The park is only open from 3 to 9 on the weekends at this point. So we should drive up there 1 hour to get there at 3 to stay for a few hours and the drive home would be another hour. We have young children who go to bed early. I thought that Dutch Wonderland could really do better than that.
Maybe we will go back.....or maybe not. I am still trying to decide whether to write a letter and let them know my thoughts or not.
We left early one Saturday morning and spent the entire day at the park. As luck would have it my camera ran out of battery life so my pictures were limited.
A little fun with Tee while waiting for his brothers to get off of a ride.
Mom and boys on the train ride!
Tee was not sure about the train ride at first but loved it.
The husband had to do bumper cars 3 times, one time with each child. Tee liked the ride but he was very scared.
The husband took all the boys down the flume ride. We ended up having to buy the picture of their flume coming down the hill. E was in front and doing fine, Jay looked like he was going to barf and Tee looked like he was holding on for dear life.
It is nice that the park is not large because we did a lot of walking around. We played games, we saw a Thomas show and did many rides. E loves the swings. Jay is not much of a ride goer. I guess he takes after his Mom.
The park had a "guess the pumpkin" contest. All the boys entered the contest. I ended up getting a phone call a few weeks ago letting me know that Josh won the contest. He was one pound off. The husband gave the weights to each of the kids. We were so excited. I wasn't really sure what we won as my cell phone was cutting out.
Well, I got the letter in the mail and we received 4 complimentary tickets to go back. Nice right? Yes, but the tickets expire in December of 2010. Come on Dutch Wonderland....really......you couldn't splurge and have the tickets expire sometime in 2011. The park is only open from 3 to 9 on the weekends at this point. So we should drive up there 1 hour to get there at 3 to stay for a few hours and the drive home would be another hour. We have young children who go to bed early. I thought that Dutch Wonderland could really do better than that.
Maybe we will go back.....or maybe not. I am still trying to decide whether to write a letter and let them know my thoughts or not.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A trip to the petting farm
Tee's class went to the petting farm this past Friday. It was required that at least 10 parent chaperones on this field trip. The preschool hired a bus company to take the 3 and 4 year old classes.
Tee has had recurring nightmares about buses. So as you can imagine when I found that they would be taking a bus that I HAD to be able to chaperone this field trip. Luckily, I got my name on the list early enough.
We boarded the bus and Tee was still doing fine. I had one of his friends also. Tee sat next to me on the bus. As we took off, Tee grabbed on to me and didn't let go until we arrived at the farm. But I think he enjoyed the trip.
Once we were done with the animals, we were taken on a hay ride. The kids were able to eat their snack along the way. The hayride dropped us off at a pumpkin patch and each child was able to pick one of their own.
Tee picked out a greenish looking pumpkin and he was very proud of it. We have it displayed on our front stoop.
Tee has had recurring nightmares about buses. So as you can imagine when I found that they would be taking a bus that I HAD to be able to chaperone this field trip. Luckily, I got my name on the list early enough.
We boarded the bus and Tee was still doing fine. I had one of his friends also. Tee sat next to me on the bus. As we took off, Tee grabbed on to me and didn't let go until we arrived at the farm. But I think he enjoyed the trip.
Tee on the bus, still not sure at this point.
Tee did not want to pet or feed many of the animals. He fed the sheep and that was that. He immediately wanted to wash his hands afterwards. He definitely has issues with clean hands.
I did manage to get him to pet one of the animals brought out.
Once we were done with the animals, we were taken on a hay ride. The kids were able to eat their snack along the way. The hayride dropped us off at a pumpkin patch and each child was able to pick one of their own.
Tee picked out a greenish looking pumpkin and he was very proud of it. We have it displayed on our front stoop.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Golden Shoe
Last week the boys had their Golden shoe race. The race is held by class. The students run a mile and their time and place is recorded as they enter the finish line. Points are somehow assigned (basically you want the kids in your class to come in first) and the class with the least amount of points are allowed to brag and hold onto the golden shoe for the year.
I had the boys practice a little running before the race, but they have so many sports that it was a bit hard to schedule.
It was a little hard to keep track of the kids as they were running. They both ran by me and I didn't realize it until it was too late. But I did manage to get a few pictures.
E came in 13th of the 125 kids in his class. I have to say I was shocked to see how fast he was running. He just kept going and going. I saw him stop once just to catch his breath for a moment.
Jay came in 21st. He did very well also and I believe he only stopped once for a few seconds.
The boys waiting patiently for the results. Neither of the boys' class won, but E's was a close second.
I had the boys practice a little running before the race, but they have so many sports that it was a bit hard to schedule.
It was a little hard to keep track of the kids as they were running. They both ran by me and I didn't realize it until it was too late. But I did manage to get a few pictures.
E came in 13th of the 125 kids in his class. I have to say I was shocked to see how fast he was running. He just kept going and going. I saw him stop once just to catch his breath for a moment.
Jay came in 21st. He did very well also and I believe he only stopped once for a few seconds.
The boys waiting patiently for the results. Neither of the boys' class won, but E's was a close second.
E has really taken to running. On Saturday, he went out for a run with his Dad. Maybe he will keep it up. Maybe I will get him to run a 5K sometime soon. Well, maybe we will wait until the weather warms back up.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Camping at Camp Rodney
This past weekend, the boys had a camping day with the scouts. The camp site was located a little over an hour north of where we live. The husband decided he would camp with the two older boys. Tee and I drove up separately but spent the morning with the boys.
This was the view from the tent that we put up. The site was located on the Chesapeake. Could not ask for a better view, but that wind was blowing up pretty good for the majority of the day.
The den leader took the boys to do a marble game. The marbles were really balls for a pool table. I got there late and could not understand the object of the game. But they all enjoyed playing and they earned a belt loop for it.
After the marble game which took a long time we decided it was time for lunch. Hot dogs and chips! Tee is wearing E's jacket because it was so cold.
Jay
E.
I didn't realize how many different sports they would be able to do at the camp. The boys started off with shooting a BB gun.
Dad had to get in to help!
Jay needing help.
More shooting.
The rest of the pictures are a bit out of order but they got to do so much.
Candle making.
E doing Archery.
Jay doing archery.
E excelled at archery. He looks like a pro.
Jay needed a little help.
E. bouldering.
Jay Bouldering
Jay slingshot.
E. slingshot
Even Tee got to try the slingshot
I was very happy to not be present to see this creature.
Jay and his friend standing near the tent. It is a nice size tent, sleep six.
The boys had to earn the bobcat badge by learning the motto, pledge etc., which we completed prior to this event. The boys were presented with their badge at the campfire with the pack. Unfortunately, the pictures did not turn out well as they are all very dark. My friend got some that I hope she will share with me.
The boys had a great time camping overnight. Jay woke up once during the night and then was up for the morning at 5am. But they can't wait until the next trip.
The boys got home early Sunday morning with enough time to get ready for their baseball game. Needless to say they were exhausted on Sunday.
This was the view from the tent that we put up. The site was located on the Chesapeake. Could not ask for a better view, but that wind was blowing up pretty good for the majority of the day.
The den leader took the boys to do a marble game. The marbles were really balls for a pool table. I got there late and could not understand the object of the game. But they all enjoyed playing and they earned a belt loop for it.
After the marble game which took a long time we decided it was time for lunch. Hot dogs and chips! Tee is wearing E's jacket because it was so cold.
Jay
E.
I didn't realize how many different sports they would be able to do at the camp. The boys started off with shooting a BB gun.
Dad had to get in to help!
Jay needing help.
More shooting.
The rest of the pictures are a bit out of order but they got to do so much.
Candle making.
E doing Archery.
Jay doing archery.
E excelled at archery. He looks like a pro.
Jay needed a little help.
E. bouldering.
Jay Bouldering
Jay slingshot.
E. slingshot
Even Tee got to try the slingshot
I was very happy to not be present to see this creature.
Jay and his friend standing near the tent. It is a nice size tent, sleep six.
The boys had to earn the bobcat badge by learning the motto, pledge etc., which we completed prior to this event. The boys were presented with their badge at the campfire with the pack. Unfortunately, the pictures did not turn out well as they are all very dark. My friend got some that I hope she will share with me.
The boys had a great time camping overnight. Jay woke up once during the night and then was up for the morning at 5am. But they can't wait until the next trip.
The boys got home early Sunday morning with enough time to get ready for their baseball game. Needless to say they were exhausted on Sunday.
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