Simple Pleasures

I guess in all the years, we've never been in sync with the ice cream truck when they have made random runs through the neighborhood. Yesterday, as we pulled in our neighborhood, the ice cream truck was leaving. Of course the kids sighed knowing that once again they had missed the ice cream truck. Today, as we were pulling in the garage, we heard the truck coming again, and the kids dashed inside to get their money. I pretty much knew once again there was no way they were going to catch him and sure enough he passed down the street. I continued unloading our things for the day into the house and I could hear the kids yelling, "Ice cream man, come back. We have money. We really have money. Come back. We want some ice cream!"

About five minutes passed and sure enough, I heard the familiar music approaching once again. I ran outside and there was Jax purchasing an ice cream sandwich. Delaney also had money in hand ready to make a purchase. Baylor wasn't as prepared but Jax offered to purchase him a treat.

As an adult, all I can see is the gigantic mark-up on the ice cream, knowing I could purchase almost an entire box of ice cream sandwiches for the price of one. However, I can also remember as a kid how much joy I got out of purchasing a treat from the ice cream truck.

Delaney couldn't have been happier about her purchase. As she sat there slurping away on her snow cone, she exclaimed, "I FINALLY got to buy something from the ice-cream truck."

Something tells me the ice cream truck will be back again very soon. He's found three eager customers.

Training Wheels Be Gone

Sad but true, we have never put much effort into teaching our children how to ride their bikes without training wheels. Last spring, we tried to teach Delaney but it was too windy. Somehow waiting for the perfect day never really came about. Most days, the kids are more than content to just ride their four wheelers in the yard. Recently, they've showed more interest, so Rick took off Delaney's training wheels. Within about two minutes, she had the hang of it. The boys on the other hand are going to require a little more practice and patience. We'll try again next weekend.

Love my Boys

The boys seem to be having such a great time at playing baseball this year, that the team decided to play in a weekend tournament. Unfortunately, most other leagues play six and under t-ball instead of coach pitch. In order to give the boys a little more experience and a challenge, the coaches entered them into a 7 and under baseball tournament in Owasso. I think it was a little more than either the players or coaches bargained for. The rules were a little different, the bases were further a part, and we found ourselves playing competitive teams. While we didn't win, the boys did get some great fielding experience and even almost won a game playing in the rain on Saturday. It doesn't bother me in the least to give up my weekend to watch my boys play. I love being a baseball mom.This boy has one of two speeds. He's either slow or lightening quick just as with his personality of Mr. Happy or Mr. Frustrated. There's not much in between. During our Saturday game, the boys played the last inning and a half in the rain. They were drenched and cold. Although Baylor did hang tough with his teammates, at one point he told Rick, "I just want mommy!"

Jax is such a ham for the camera these days. He's a happy-go-lucky boy, with a great personality. He's kind to others, full of charm and passion for action. He's really developed a love for sports.

Click, Click, Click

What's so sweet about that sound? It's the sound of my children buckling THEMSELVES into the car. For six and half years, I have been responsible for buckling three children. I suppose I didn't think much of it until the past year or so when I realized they should be able to complete this task themselves. In the Tahoe, it wasn't really feasible to use our third row on a daily basis, as there was no easy way to get to the third row without opening the back hatch. The kids boosters were so closely placed together on the second row. They could easily unbuckle themselves but buckling up in such close quarters was even difficult for me at times. With much aggravation, I mentioned almost on a weekly basis as I was rushing around to get everyone in the car and buckled every morning, "I can't wait till you can buckle yourself in!"

About a year ago, when we began thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, I didn't have any fancy requirements. As sad as it sounds, my only want was something with captain's chairs and a third row. We really hadn't planned to purchase a new vehicle until fall, but after seeing some great incentives for the month of April on the Traverse, Rick decided to place the Tahoe for sale. I had silent reservations, thinking we had enough on our plates without trying to sell a vehicle, but we actually had a serious buyer within 30 minutes of placing it on Craigs List, who handed us cash two hours later. My husband then managed to get me a very sweet deal on a car the next day. I can't think of anything that has ever worked so easily for us. And, if I haven't mentioned it, I really love my new car!

Herbal Festival

The past few months Delaney has been busy learning new dance routines for spring recital and today we got a little sneak peek as her group performed at the Herbal Festival. She was all smiles as usual, but I could tell she was really concentrating, as the numbers are a little challenging.

I can't believe that recital time is just around the corner. Delaney told me a month or so ago how dance had gone by so quickly this year and how much she was really loving getting to dance more. This years recital theme is King of Rock, King of Pop. She will dance to "Jail House Rock" and "I'll Be There". She's still working on learning her third dance, where all three performance groups will dance together to "Thriller." Three dances and the finale, means three costumes changes. It's going to be a whole new recital experience for us.

Unplugged

While completing homework, Jax informed Baylor that the principal told them they couldn't watch television or play video games tonight. Baylor's replied, "What! That's gotta be illegal!"

Poor Jax, still has many scabs on his face. He's going to be looking really good for his Kindergarten Graduation Pictures tomorrow.

Baylor of course had done all those things throughout the day as he spent another day at home in quarantine. However, Jax and Delaney were committed to doing just as they had been instructed to do for "National No Television Day." I knew this wouldn't be a difficult task as they were playing outside, but I knew bedtime would be the true test. Probably since the kids have been three, they have always had settle down time, where they watch about a 1/2 hour of television before bedtime. (We read before). Even nights when we are in a rush to go to bed, Jax is pretty insistent in getting at least 5 minutes. I think he almost needs it to relax

At dinner, Jax said, "This could be harder than I thought." .

He seemed committed to stay the course. He had been begging me to play Go Fish, so we played a game after bath time. Then, we spent the rest of the evening reading. Baylor ended up watching 3 minutes of television before bedtime, but the other two stuck with it. They were determined. I am really proud of them for setting a goal and having the discipline to stick with it.

Side note: Jax wanted to know if he set some sort of a record. He's been obsessed with setting records since he and Baylor read a Guinness Book of World Record book, while waiting to get their hair cut a few weeks ago.

Diva all the Way

Not only is Delaney a Dancing Diva, but tonight she made her debut as a Diamond Diva. We were running from dance to make the game, so I didn't get that many good pictures. She played a great first game. She played first base and scored two outs, and then played catcher. They won big. Softball is a little slower paced than baseball; baseball is a definately a little more intense. Her previous ball experience taught her to be an agressive base runner, so she leads off and goes for each base. At one point, she caught up with her own team mate on a base. But, she's slowly adjusting to the slower pitch and playing great in the feild.

Rick missed her debut because he was coaching the boy's team. I really hate that one of us has to miss either the boys or Delaney's game. Jax hit another homer tonight, which I missed again. A big thanks to Mimi for staying home with Baylor who still has some chicken pox which haven't cleared up. Also, another thanks to Nana, and Uncle Patrick & Aunt Julie for coming out to cheer Delaney on.

Baylor Joins the Pox Party

Baylor's first words this morning, "Mom, what are these dots on my hands?" He's probably surpassed Delaney in pox count today, but so far, no where near as many as Jax. Baylor's been a trooper and really hasn't complained. Delaney seems to be her usual bubbly self, but Jax continues to run fever and is pretty miserable at times.

The Chicken Pox

Today, God once again, let me know who was in control. I had my day all planned. My students were going to take a quiz, which meant most of the day their heads would be down and busy. I had a very ambitious plan to finish grading projects, enter grades and even begin grading their quizzes. However, that plan was halted when I received a call from the school nurse saying Jax was running a low grade fever and was broke out with spots. She said she suspected chicken pox as there was an unconfirmed case the previous week. I was thinking surely this is an allergic reaction, but by the time I could find coverage for my class, schedule an appoitnment with the doctors office, Delaney was also showing signs of a few spots. I took all three to their pediatrician's office, where they diagnosed them with break through chicken pox. The doctor said that it's rare but they do have such cases. In fact, a little over a year ago, most Pediatricians began giving a chicken pox booster. Thinking they had all of their shots, I didn't take them for their well check up when they turned 6, so some how it was overlooked. The Doctor said most cases are rather mild and may even last only a few days.


So far, Delaney's outbreak is very mild, with some on her arm and just a few scattered about. Jax on the other hand is pretty much covered from head to toe, with more appearing by the minute. He's also ran fever and is definitely uncomfortable. He needs a little extra attention, but overall he's being a trooper. If Delaney gets them this bad, we could be in trouble!


Delaney asked, "mom, does this mean I am allergic to chicken?"


It's no wonder these two are sharing the pox together. Delaney inspects Baylor on a regular basis but so far so good. The doctor said there's a chance he may not get them but he's in quarantine for the week. The boys were pretty upset about missing their game tonight.



And really who knew after being vaccinated you could still get the chicken pox? Ironically, Sunday the kids were asking about chicken pox, such as what they were and how you got them? I answered their questions and told them how I had them as a kid, and then told them they had shots so they probably wouldn't get them, as not many kids get them these days. Famous last words! Oh well, while I don't like seeing my kids itchy, there are certainly far worse things. I count my blessings.

A Very hApPy EASTER!

It was an absolutely warm, sunshine filled gorgeous Easter Sunday. I don't think I could have asked for more except for maybe time. It seemed like a marathon trying to rush home from church, prepare food, eat with my family, hunt eggs, clean up, and then head back to Broken Arrow for another Easter celebration with Rick's family. Next year, I'm thinking we might need to have Easter with my family on a separate day so that we can actually sit back and enjoy a little more time together.

With my new camera, I find it easy to take lots of pictures. I'm pretty sure my family thinks I am absolutely insane, but one of these days, they will thank me.

The Easter Bunny did not disappoint, leaving lots of goodies.

You would think at 6, we could get a picture all together but not so.

Silly Girls are ready to hunt some eggs.

The boys were pretty content to play Star Wars and video games but it didn't take long for them to get in the spirit.

Quite entertaining as we watched four Kindergartners count their eggs aloud, trying not to get distracted by each other. By the time, they were finished, Braylon was insistent that he had counted 62 in his basket!

Our final Easter didn't have the traditional hunt, but the family decided to play a game of front yard baseball. The kids had a blast as usual being catered to by their older cousins. Colten, actually caught Jax's pop fly, but then acted as if he dropped it so Jax wouldn't be out. What a sweet heart.

It doesn't get much better than this. We are very blessed.

What to Wear

I try to begin the kids Easter attire shopping early. I usually find a dress for Delaney and then search for something for the boys to wear. This year, after spending time searching online and spending a few weekends hitting our favorite stores, we came up empty handed. Nothing seemed to really jump out at me; it seemed that everything was a repeat of something we had done or it was just okay. It's hard to settle for just okay, when I truly consider that usually it's a dress that she wears for Easter and then thereafter she might wear again once. I absolutely loved her dress from last year, but it was cold and rainy and she only wore it to church. The year before, it was chilly and she was sick. We didn't even wear our Easter wear on Easter. Finally, I gave up and decided to go with a very simple jumper with bright Easter like print, paired with leggings and cardigan in preparation for chilly weather.

And, what do ya know? It looks as if we might actually see a beautiful, warm Easter. This evening, I began to regret my decision to go simple and wishing I would have searched a little harder. Will, I be the mom, that appears to have forgotten Easter? Then my mind began obsessing over their Easter baskets and what I should've or could've done. I had to stop myself. While pretty dresses, colored eggs, and baskets make Easter fun, they certainly shouldn't be the focus. I feel a bit ashamed. I'm sure God only wishes he could have had such simple parenting woes. Instead, he had to sacrifice his SON so that all his children would have hope of eternal life. Tonight, I'm certainly thanking God for his Grace and setting my mind on what Easter is truly about.

Good Friday

We had quite the "to do" list today in preparation for the upcoming holiday. We cleaned house, colored eggs, the boys got hair cuts, last minute run to grocery store, and we even carved in some time to go see a movie. All in all a wonderful day!
Last year the boys didn't seem all that interested in coloring eggs but this year, they were all about it.

My girl is getting so big!

The boys friend, Evan went with us to see, How to Train Your Dragon. It's safe to say the movie didn't disappoint them in the least; they loved it.