Retired!

As of 11 a.m. yesterday, I am officially a non-working person. I thought it would feel weird, not having a "purpose" and then I walked in the door and saw huge piles of "purpose" in the sink, in the laundry hamper, in the kids' rooms....need I go on? I'm super excited for this summer, not that we have a lot planned because now we are minus one income, but I think it will be a good thing for the kids. Now, we'll just have to get into some sort of routine and not sleep in every morning. Which, for those of you who know me well and how I'm such a big fan of sleeping - this will be a struggle.
I'm excited for the opportunity for the kids to really spend time together. All these years they've been in separate classes, even at the same daycare, and so they are having to learn how to be each other's friend. Which is super-important to me. I talk to my brothers pretty much every day and wouldn't know what to do without their friendships. I really want my kiddos grow up to feel the same way about each other.
So, I implemented a really funny way of getting past bickering. Aidan loves it. Darby's not a big fan....
When they start arguing, I encourage them to work it out quickly or they know what's coming next.


They have to hold hands, first.

And, if that doesn't stop the arguing....







This usually does! :)

I know this picture doesn't look like anyone is having a bit of fun. But, after about a minute of standing like this, they start giggling and get over it.

This is going to be a fun summer!

I know, I know....

I've become TERRIBLE at updating this thing. Last Friday we went to the annual Royals game with our church and I kept meaning to put up pictures......it's the thought that counts, eh?
Last year, when we went to the Royals game, it was BEAUTIFUL outside and we had a blast. This year.....well, I'll let you see for yourself.......


Aidan and his best buddies, Titus and Ezra.



Darby and her friend, Melissa.



Four layers of clothes and winter coats....at the end of April.






In the only picture I have of Scott, he looks angry, I think it was just because his hiney was frozen.

In spite of the below-40 temperatures, $1 hot dogs (yum), and long, long, long drive home...it was worth it. (Except for the part where we parked and the guy next to us let go of his door and it slammed into the side of our van with a loud "WHACK" - Yeah, that wasn't a good start to the whole evening!)

Happy Earth Day?

This is how a 7 year old celebrates Earth Day.....


Dissect an apple that your mother approved for an after school snack....(make sure and leave it all over the counter, too!)









Retrieve a Taco John's container out of the trash, (clean out the rocks and concrete chips your brother had stored in it), fill it about 1/16th full of water, and place the seeds from the afore-mentioned surgical procedure in the container









And, last but certainly not least, follow up with a good whine at your mom for ten minutes about how we HAVE to plant a tree for Earth Day. It's what we're SUPPOSED to do.
Who came up with this rule?!?
Oh well, Happy Earth Day to you!

Lincoln...

I have a ton of pictures to post.....so, I won't bore you with explanations of each. Here's a rundown of our weekend in Lincoln.....We drove there...went to the Husker Spring game....swam (until we saw someone had had an accident in the pool - yuck!)....we ate at a cajun restaurant (and tried Fried Alligator...which Aidan LOVED!)....ate brunch with my mom's family that lives in Nebraska....and then we drove home. Lots of fun, lots of laughing, and now we're spending the day at home recuperating. Enjoy!

Round 2!

If you were wondering, today is 10 days since Aidan's first chicken pox showed up. And, also if you were wondering, the incubation period is 10-14 days for chicken pox. And, just on the tiny chance you were wondering if Darby would get the chicken pox..........

I'd post pictures, but I'm not in to making a pedophile's day. And, since she's got them EVERYWHERE except for her back - where a picture might be appropriate - we'll save those for a scrapbook!

So, apparently, the new chicken pox vaccination just allows them to get little "spurts" (or, as the pediatrician calls them - "breakthrough") of chicken pox for years and years and years. This is Darby's 3rd round. Yeah!

Sneak Preview.......

Getting ready to go on stage.


Cheer #1


Cheer #2








I wasn't sure if they were going to top the dolphin origami kid, or even the kindergarteners who completely FROZE during "These Boots Were Made For Walking" (way too cute) but they did so well! We'll see how solid they are when the audience is full.......

They made up every bit of what they did and worked on it during all of their recess time the last few weeks. I made the t-shirts (courtesy of the Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby iron-on transfers 30% off - I think we spent $20 - who doesn't love a good bargain!?). I'll put more pics up after the big performance tomorrow night!!

On The Mend...........

We're moving along.......Aidan is doing better at times. He's really struggled with the pain and is just now slowly starting to eat again. There's a flu'ish bug in our house and I think he may have a touch of it, on top of recovering from surgery, on top of chicken pox, so that doesn't help at all. But, we're getting there!
Darby and I have to be at one of the elementary schools in our district tonight for dress rehearsals for her Talent Show tomorrow night. She and 5 other girls made up some cheers and will be performing them for everyone tomorrow. If you're in town and can make it, it's at Whitson Elementary on 17th Street at 7 p.m. I've heard there's even someone playing the air guitar - now THAT'S talent! :) I will try and get pictures tonight and tomorrow and post them.........