Halloween, Missing Daddy, and Birthday

WHEW!!!! What a crazy, fun, and lonely couple of days the girls and I have had. Last tie I left off was we were getting the girls' costumes ready and that I would probably be STRESSED OUT the next time you heard from me. Well I think I spoke to soon on the stressed part, it wasn't that bad at all. You probably are thinking "what are you talking about". I have been a playing the mommy and daddy role the last 5 1/2 days while Matt went on a HUNTING TRIP!!!! Yup, he went hunting, not that it was a bad thing, he deserves his 'man' time:0) This is going to be a long post, I wanted to record this for the girls.

I am going to start with Thursday the night before he left. We headed to the school for the H1N1 clinic they were hosting. Yup the girls got thier nasal vaccine, I don't think they really knew what that was all about and were alittle worried about something going up their noses, but they did it and I am relieved that we got it. I knew the girls would miss their daddy terribly, so Grace roped Daddy to play Barbies with her. It was soo cute, that I had to capture the moment. Although Matt hid the Barbie when I came into the room with my camera. Grace thought it was funny that Daddy was playing Barbies and that Daddy was playing with a 'girl' Barbie and a boy one. O' the things they get their daddy to do.

Waiting in line to get their vaccines

Caught'cha

She is already missing her daddy

Day 1: Matt left about 3 am on Friday morning, so he was gone by time they got up. But to them it was just an ordinary day. Started off with getting Grace ready for school and making sure she had everything she needed for her school's Halloween activities. Her class, along with the primary and intermediate took part in a Halloween parade to show parents and other students their costumes. Izabelle talked Memaw in joining us, so we went up to the school and watched her in her Dorothy costume. I just wished I brought my camera.

After school the girls and I got everything ready to head down to my parents' house to do some Trick or Treating. To bad we picked the wrong night because it was RAINING!!! The girls got on their Angel costumes (which I loved) and we headed out in the rain. I don't think the girls minded at all. They had fun just going to the doors and getting CANDY.

After Trick or Treating we headed back to the grandparents' house we stayed awhile and then headed back home.

At Uncle Grant's House...He jumped out and screamed us...Well Me!

In the van waiting to Trick or Treating

My Lil Angels

Day 2: Saturday, we really didn't do much. We were suppose to go to Lake Rudolph for the annual Gingerich Halloween camping trip, but the trip was cancel due to the weather. We didn't let it stop us girls we enjoyed staying in our jammies until about 10am, then I got the idea that maybe we could go shopping...Nothing like shopping while Daddy is away. But after getting in the van and seeing that I needed to get gas, I decided maybe that wasn't the best idea to go shopping. I mean come on, I think trying to tackle shopping with 2 lil girls, I don't think we would have gotten nothing accomplished except for a splitting headache. So instead we decided that visiting Brynnlee would be WAY MORE FUN!!! We only stayed for a little while, just enought to get our B fix (we all need a B fix, she is way too cute). Then it was off to town to get gas and some McDonalds, then back home for naps. After naps we had a little DANCE PARTY and then went back out to my parent's house to visit and see their new dog. My dad...O' my dear ole dad, he went in to Pamida to get one item, the Humane Society was there and he saw this dog (pomerian, sp??), named Duke, (we had a really good boxer named Duke, thought it was a sign) and got it without saying anything to my mom, he just did it. He came home and told my mom he got something, she had NO IDEA, but glad that dad made this purchase. He is soo adorable. Grace and Izabelle adore him.
After playing with the dog, some take out Chinese it was time to head back home to our jammies off to my bed we went for movie and popcorn. The girls enjoyed watching the New Adventures of Pipi Longstocking. Does anyone remember watching this growing up? One of my favorite movies.

Bust a move

Day 3: Sunday...Church day. I was kind of dreading going to church without my tag team partner, but it went seemingly well. The girls were well mannered, as well as they could. I only took Izabelle out about 5 times, no real BIG fits. Went to Sunday school (which I am loving, these kids are WAY to cute), then off to the Gingerich's for lunch. Which was super YUMMY!!!! We did have a little tantrum coming out of Izabelle not wanting to sit in her seat and eat, so she didn't eat much lunch. I am thinking it was because of the time change, because by time we sat down and ate it would normally be her nap time, but all in all it was a good time and we really enjoyed it. Thanks Jake and Patty:)

While Izabelle was napping Grace and I picked up a little for Small Groups that we were hosting that night. Kind of scared about hosting without Matt but it went well and I enjoyed my time with the adults and the kids. Thanks to everyone, whether you brought something, picked up, or just was there to enjoy the fellowship it was greatly appreciated. I even had one of the little girls tell me Thanks (well they all did that) and told me I was pretty (I think those are her words, she may have said beautiful), and that she liked my voice. TOOO SWEET!!!! They all were sweet. They really enjoyed playing Simon Says and trying to trick each other. I pretty much was the first one out each time...My ole brain is just not what it used to be. By the time everyone left us girlies were tired, so into jammies we went and under the covers.

Day 4: Monday...Starting to realize that we are sorta, kinda missing daddy, but we are pushing through this sorta kinda ordinary day. Grace went of to school while Izabelle and I stayed home and played with the lil girl I have been watching. They day went seeminly fast. K left at noon and Izabelle had lunch together, napped, and then Grace came home from school. We played outside, ate supper, and the girls spent the evening with my mom while I went to dance practice. My mom took the girls to get her groceries, which I think she was kinda worried about how the girls would be in the store, but they did really good she said. Dance practice went really good, we had someone come and teach us techniques which helped ALOT. We really appreciated all the help we received and great advice. Thank you, Thank you!!!! Oh, I am REALLY REALLY sore today. Matt sent us a text of a 11 point buck that he just shot. Way to Go DAD!!!! So, I got Grace back out of bed to show her and Izabelle and to call Matt and leave him a GO DAD voicemail. I really think the girls were really missing him by Day 4. Grace was more vocal about saying she missed him and couldn't wait for him to get home, but Izabelle hasn't said much it was either dad was at work or at the bow shoot, until I showed her the picture of the dear and she heard Matt's voice on the voicemail. She wouldn't let go of my phone. She would fall asleep with the phone in hand, it would slip out, she would perk up and say "Phone, give me phone" and one time she said "Give me Daddy" and I would give her the phone back and she fell right back to sleep.

Day 5: Tuesday, it was work day for me, so getting the girls ready and heading out was the same ole same ole. Grace had a dentist appointment after school, then off to get Izabelle at Treva's, town, then I treated them to Happy Meals. The girls were excited to learn that they were going to stay with Memaw while I went to Bible Study. When I got back Izabelle was sitting beside Papaw half asleep and Grace and Memaw were on the couch (half asleep, I think). I think FUN was had by all.

Day 6: My BIRTHDAY & Matt IS FINALLY HOME. Grace is off to school and I am at home cleaning and watched Izabelle and K play. We played outside in this gorgeous sunny day, although the temperatures were still on the chilly side we enjoyed the fresh air. I can't wait to see what this day holds for us. Probably mommy getting a nap, nah Mom WILL get a nap and maybe some homemade birthday presents from my girls or just some kisses and hugs. Awww, got love them.

Until Next Time.

God Bless

Jess

Just A Lil Update

Nothing much has been going on in our household. Trying to keep everyone healthy as the flu season fastly approaches. Which is terrifying me. My mom and I made the girls' their Lil Angels Halloween costumes over the weekend. I can't wait to see the whole package this weekend (I still have to get a few things to make it complete). This weekend will be full of fun Halloween activities. Saturday will be spending the day with Matt's family and enjoying the festivities with them, I am hoping it will nice so that we can go Trick or Treating. It will sure make the weekend fly by, that is for sure, with all this busyness of Halloween, but we will surely enjoy it.

Grace has been doing better in school, she still tells me when she gets in trouble, but she hasn't said anything about missing recess and I haven't received any notes, so that is good. She really enjoys school and comes home with so many new things. It makes me laugh what she comes home with from the lessons she learned from her teachers and little saying she's learned from the other kids. She has been counting in tens and the other day she was writing just the odd numbers. O' last night she was saying something about a battle cry, but it wasn't V-I-C-T-O-R-Y that is our battle cry, it was some random letters and that is our battle cry. Too funny.

Izabelle has been the same spunky lil gal. She has been having trouble sleeping lately. She doesn't want to sleep in her bed. Last couple of nights, she fights her sleep. I have to rub her belly and she soon falls asleep, I slowly move out of her room and 2 hours later we hear crying and lil feet running across the wood floor. So, in our bed she goes until she gets settled and asleep, off to bed she goes for another 2 hours, then we hear her again. So, I don't know what to do. I believe she has gotten all her teeth, so I don't think it's that. She's not running a fever or anything else. She did get a flu shot last week, so I don't know if that is still making her leg hurt or what. Other than that I love how she talks and tells us little stories.
The other day Izabelle was sitting on the potty (yes another Potty story) and she said we needed to get a "gul cart" (aka. golf cart). She said "Memaw got gul cart", "Greta got gul cart", "I want gul cart". I told she had to ask Daddy to get a gul cart. Some of the randomness she talks about.

Other than that we haven't been doing much. This week thru next week will be a busy week (not to mention Me and Matt's birthdays) for us, so if you see me and my hair is pulled out or I totally look stressed out give me a piece of chocolate and I should be good. I will post about some of the busyness at a later date.

Until then...

God Bless

Jess

Aww Friday & Teacher Meeting

I am actually working today, amazing, uh? I usually have Fridays off, but I took off yesterday to meet with Grace's teacher. Today is Grace's Fall break and she is having fun at her Nana's along with Izabelle. I can't wait for the weekend to begin, tomorrow is suppose to be sunny, YAY!!!
Okay, so yesterday I met with Grace's teacher and at first I was a bit nervous actually really nervous, I have never done this type of thing before. I do have to say that it was nice to be able to see the teacher's point of view and the way she runs her classroom. I understand her rules and the way she reinforces them, I believe I will be implementing them at my home, too. We both agreed that we think Grace has a crush on this boy and that is her way of getting his attention, poor lil guy. I'm thinking that this is typical child behavior, but still doesn't give Grace the right to harm another child and she has been disciplined for that & will get disciplined if she does it again. Her teacher said that Grace has a "Leader" type personality and when those type of personalities get together in any situation there tends to be some clashing. Just an example (my example) when one of those "leaders" want to do something like go to the mall and the other "leader" wants to go to the park they will tend to argue until one wins or they go their seperate ways. So, Grace needs to learn how to give alittle (in my opinion).

I felt better when she said that Grace is not the only one which is a relief because as a parent you are not in the classroom and you don't know what goes on, you just know child's side of things so hearing that there are others.

I asked her how she gets along with others, she said she gets along well with others. Friends? She is very socialable and has a couple of close girls she runs with. Whew!

We agreed on a lot of things regarding Grace that she has a leader type personality, she is very friendly, sweet and the teacher put it perfect "She is high on Life".

It was really nice to get to know the teacher better. I have only personally met her a couple of times, so it was good to seat down with her and get to know her and the way she teaches. I can see why Grace likes her and the teacher's aide they were very nice and welcoming.

All in all it was a good meeting and I had a chance to go down to the lunchroom to see Grace, her friends and her crush. They are ALL so sweet sitting there with their trays or lunchboxes eating. Makes me want to tear up abit because I can't believe how big they all looked at the lunch table.

While I was at the meeting my dad was watching Izabelle. It was like pulling teeth to get him there...he's a farmer so he was very busy trying to get everything done before he can get into the fields, so since it was all muddy and rainy he was able to come up and watch her. First thing Iz wanted to do was watch Barney, so my dad looked at me like, 'really'.

When I got home, my dad was taking a picture of our dog in the girls' chair on his phone and hunting was on TV, so much for Barney. Then they were doing this:

Until Next Time...Enjoy your day and weekend.

God Bless

Jess

17,000, Grace, Tattooed, & A Whole Lotta Water

I just noticed on my counter that I have 17,000 hits on my blog...I believe 3/4 of them are from seeing if anyone commented or updated their blog...Sorry I am really nosey somedays (only when I am working, I get bored, sshhh don't tell, just kidding). Anyway, alot has been going on since the last time I posted. I wanted to say thanks for those that have commented on my blog as well in person. I really, really, appreciate all the advice and encouragement. And the kindness that is being sent Grace's way. Grace has been talking about this boy and saying that they are friends. She even has a list of all her friends that she loves (as friends) and he is on there, so I know that she cares for him which makes me a little better. I am kind of nervous about our first parent/teacher meeting on Thursday, I guess I need to start writing my thoughts and questions on paper so I can be prepared. Yikes!!!! I hope I don't get too nervous.

Now on to the Tattoo portion...I guess Miss Izabelle thought her legs were alittle dull so she decided to Tattoo them up...It only took a couple of days for the pen marks to fully go away.

Now for the WHOLE LOTTA WATER...We all know that we all got A LOTTA rain last week, BUT we didn't think that we would have a WHOLE LOTTA WATER in out BASEMENT!!! That is right. A pipe busted downstairs and flooded the WHOLE basement (2 inches of water throughout the basement). Not only did we have a pipe bust on us, but the sup-pump decided it didn't want to work anymore and to top it off it was MIDNIGHT. So, while Matt was trying to get the water to stop pouring out of the pipe I called Jake to come over to help, I think I scared the poor guy, you never really want someone to call you at midnight. Jake came over and ended up leaving to get more stuff to help Matt, before I knew it Jake, Patty, and Matt were down there pushing water in the pump (that now worked). I kind of felt embarrassed after seeing all them pushing water, because Matt told me they (Matt & Jake) didn't need my help and for me to go back to be. Well I couldn't let all of them work while I slept so I found a lid from a box and helped push water into the pump. Needless to say we got all the water out by 3:30 AM. Once my in laws left, it took us a while to get back to sleep. Matt was busy Friday contacted the insurance agency, got someone out to dry the basement, and getting a new pump in the basement.
Here are some pictures, they are not in order.

Rug in the Family Room...You really can't tell the water, but you can tell how glossy the floor looks that is the water

Girls' play room

More of the Famly Room
Bath room...Gross look at all that dirt. Looking into the hallway after gettng of the steps.

Making ripples with my feet. I am now thinking I need to buy me some rain boots...What do you think?Just some of the trash from the basement

We had 16 fans and like 3 dehumdifiers...they were there all weekend and it sounded like a jet plane in our basment.

We had a quite eventful night, but we were able to get some sleep the next night, while the girls were at their Memaw and Papaw's house. Thanks Patty and Jake for all the help with the basement and with the girls. We really appreciate it. It was actually fun getting all the water up. They came up with some great reasons why the basement was flooded. "Jess, I guess you don't have to mop, now". "Jess, I don't think you can put a indoor pool in the basement". I am just glad that the basement is in an almost normal state. I guess the saying 'when it rains it pours' comes in effect our house.

O' here's a funny story...the guy that came to dry our basement came Saturday afternoon and caught me taking a nap and asked "did I wake you up". Me: "Oh, NO, I was just hoping that the girls would see me 'pretending' to sleep they would too". Yeah I don't think that lie flied. Need to come up with a better excuse. And yes the girls were playing in there room and no I wasn't fully asleep I just had my eyes closed.

Until Next Time...

God Bless

Jess

Calling All Moms: School Note RETURNS

As moms as well as dads we would love to see our children succeed and have the best in life. Sometimes though we may come up short, mostly in material ways things that we may not be able to afford that I children so desperately want, but in the most important ways the love and nurture that our children so desperately need. I know that I struggle to show Grace and Izabelle the ways that lead them down the right paths in life. I try to include Jesus in our daily talks or by showing them through example in my life. It's hard, but I need to understand whether I sin or not Jesus loves me, he loves us and we need to keep treading along in life and trying to do our best through Jesus Christ.
One thing that we are trying to in still in our children is to 'love one another'. And to do no harm to others (whether physical or mentally). It's easy said then done (trying to teach them right from wrong). Grace has been having to learn this in not so fun way. In school she is doing great academically, but socially she is not. It's not that she doesn't make friends, she makes friends easily, but she is having a hard time keeping her hands to herself (she is a very touchy child, always has been) and talking during times when she is not suppose too. I have blogged about this before, but we are just not doing something right. She got another note sent home from her teacher. Not to go into too many details, but it appears that Grace is the one starting things with another student (a male). First I would like to say that Matt and I do not condone inappropriate touching in anyway (hitting, smacking, pinching, etc). And the girls do get in trouble for that. When we ask Grace how was school it's either "I didn't do so well, I got in trouble" or "Today was good, I got to play at all recesses". It breaks my heart that I hear these things, I would like to hear, "I learned this new word, or I made a new friend", but instead I am hearing about behavioral issues. So, when Grace tells on herself, we send her to her room with no TV or games and to pray. It seems to work her at home, because I see a change in her, she is really trying her hardest to please us. There are sometimes when she pinches or pokes at Izabelle and it's straight to the corner, apology after words, with a hug and kiss (same goes for Izabelle). So, why is she acting like this at school? Great question, uh? Especially when I didn't get any kind of these reports from her preschool teachers from the previous 2 years, her Sunday School teacher (well her sub this past Sunday), or her Awana teachers (trust me I asked).
I was talking to my mom on the phone because I wanted to get another point of view from another mom and to see if I did this kind of thing when I was younger. One of the things she asked was "Does she like this boy". Well I didn't know, I just knew what the teacher said, that they were clashing.
So, today when she got home from school we were just talking and I asked her "So, do you like (the male student)." she says "Yes", "Why are you hitting or pinching him", "I don't know", "Is he your friend", "Yes". "Do you like him" (as in a boyfriend, I know she is WAY too young & I really don't know if she knows what boyfriends really are). "Yeah". "Do you do these things to get his attention", "Yeah". Oh, Dear. I remember trying to get the attention of a boy I liked in school and it usually was this kind of attention. I am sure I did this kind of thing too, well I know I did. Do you remember doing this kind of thing, too? Is this normal child behavior? I just feel bad that Grace is getting in trouble what seems to be ALOT!!! I don't want to keep punishing her, especially since I don't know the WHOLE story, just Grace's. Everyone has a different perspectives on a touch; is a hurtful touch or just a touch that looks like more then a touch touch (if you know what I mean). I don't want her to be doing bad things to get attention. Is she getting enough positive reinforcement at school and/or at home? I try to tell her each morning, "Today is a new day and we can only do our best, I love you, and have a Great day, kisses." and off she goes. I don't want her to be that student next year the teacher says "This one going to give me a hard time, because that is what she did in Kindergarten".
So, today I called her teacher to set up a parent/teacher conference. I wanted to get the teacher's insight on what is happening at school and try to get something figured out, so that Grace is benefiting and growing in all areas at school. I am nervous as a first time Kindergarten mom, this is my first time sitting down with the teacher, what do I say, how do I acted. I just want the best for Grace, as well as my children following behind her. I have some great feedback the last time I talked about Grace's behavior at school, but I am at my wits end on this one. Part of me thinks, 'Is it really Grace's fault', 'What if everything thing she does is just being nitpicked because of whatever reason'. I know I should not think that way, I am just stressed about the whole situation. UGH!!! Not at Grace, not the other student, not at the teacher (she is just doing her job), but UGH!!! What should I do? What should we do?

Thanks for the ear.

From a stressed out mom:-

God Bless

Jess

Our Daily Talks

It seems like the girls and I do most of our talking in the bathroom. One of them or both are sitting on their potties and we are just chatting it up. Here are some of our most current talks.

Grace

Mom: "What is your favorite thing to do?"
Grace: "I like to color and learn about God".
Mom: "That is great that those are your favorite things"
Grace: "I know" smiles, wipes, and gets in the shower.


Izabelle

Iz: "Dosh don't like me" Sidenote: Josh is Kaycee's boyfriend
Mom: "Josh likes you"
Iz: "No he don't, he gets me" Tickles her.
Mom: "That means he likes you...he does that to Grace too"
Iz: "Dosh likes Grace"
Mom: "Yes, Josh likes Grace"
Iz: "Dosh likes mommy"
Mom: "I'm sure Josh likes mommy"
Iz: "Dosh not like me"
Mom: "Yes, Josh likes you"
Iz: "No, Dosh not like me"
Mom: "Yes, he does" potty music goes off and we are cleaning up and heading out of the bathroom...Still don't know if she learned that Josh does like her.

Just love our daily talks on the commode:)

Until Next Time...

God Bless

Jess

Video of Izabelle

The other day Izabelle and I were waiting for Grace to get home from Awana and I caught some songs and a conversation on video. She is singing 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat', 'Itsy, Bitsy Spider' and then we were just talking. I think she mentioned one of our favorited neighbors, Audrey, about a dozen times. I love her little voice.

Enjoy:)

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