Really rough day today. Hard to understand how someone significant to you could leave this earth one day, so suddenly, and you are expected to just go on with life the very next day as if nothing happened.

I did some normal things, vacuumed, answered emails, did SS with Connor and walked the dog. I even did a soothing, restorative workout. Catelyn went to VBS. But Chad and I were so lost he decided we needed to get out a bit as a family. So he took us to see Madegascar 3 and it was really cute.

I'm now home and will cook dinner and we might even play a game. We'll see. I think we all need some levity.

Wednesday, June 6

Had my quiet time and a great workout. I feel lean and energized and ready to take on the day!

I'm about to go clean house a bit....upstairs bathroom and the kitchen. Later we are meeting the Ko's at the swimming pool in front of their house and I want to finish my book today. It has been awesome and has given me renewed hope in Kristen Hannah. LOL (I didn't care for her last one or two)

Did my housework and ate lunch with two kids. After Cooper got home and proudly showed me the birdhouse and dream catcher he had made (and told me how he had shot arrows at a bullseye and played marbles and got hit in the face by a ball during kickball) we went swimming with the Ko's. It was very fun and Hannah and I had a nice time visiting. Then after an hour and a half, the sky grew dark, the thunder cracked and rain started to fall. We came home and stayed inside during a full blown hail/thunder/and lightening storm. We read, played Pictureka and I Spy and had dinner. Cooper read Harold and the Purple Crayon to me and I read him Encyclopedia Brown. Off to bed everyone went.

Chad and I started the 7th Harry Potter movie.

Tuesday, June 5

Today Cooper had his second day of Scout camp. Off he and Chad went on their merry way.

I had my quiet time on the patio and a nice workout.  Connor, Catelyn and I took the dog for a walk before it got too hot. Catelyn rode her new bike. She did so well. It was cute...it's a bigger than her old one and she had to work at balancing her banana seat bike with big handle bars, but she was stellar! She looked adorable cruising along. Connor told me all about the computer game he just finished playing. Connor and Catelyn did typing practice when they got home to cool off a bit. :)

Once Cooper was home and we all had lunch,  we played some games. The kids played "Operation" first and then I joined in with "Don't Break the Ice" and the "Ladybug Game". Cooper is my game maniac! Connor thoughtfully gave me a little head rub to cure a mild headache I had and then I sent them all outside to jump on the trampoline a bit. I have sweet kids.

I spent 5 minutes doing flashcards with Cooper after dinner & Connor and Chad went to Boy Scouts. Cooper played DS and Catelyn and I watched part of a movie together. At bedtime Cooper and I exchanged massages~lol.

Monday, June 4

Cooper went to Scout day camp today with Chad. Cooper was soooo excited!! I hope it meets his expectations.

Catelyn had Rachel and Marissa over to play from 8:30-1:15. I worked out and read and Connor and I did TimeforLearning Social Studies and learned about Pre-War of 1812.

Cooper came home and set up a store upstairs with Catelyn. Those two play together so well! He also told us all about the five activities he did at Scout camp. He did soccer skills, safety skills at home, made a boat and floated it, shot arrows at a target, did fingerprints for something, and a science experiment where he exploded an alkaseltzer and water bottle. :0)

Later we had dinner and stories. I'm really enjoying reading Hiding Place to Connor. Makes for some interesting discussions.

Little update here:

Thursday: Ina came over for part of the day because JL  had day surgery. The kids love having her over and I enjoy it also. I had a dentist appt. at 10 & everyone came with me. After we made a quick grocery shopping visit to Target and the kids had lunch there in the Target cafe. After we stopped by the pink place (snow cones) for our first time this year summer treat!

Went to the Frisco Rough Riders game. Chad got tickets from work and they gave us free hats and dinner. There is also a huge play area that Cooper loves! Fireworks when someone hits a homerun....fun time!

Friday: Lazy, relaxed day. The kids and I went to Costco, but otherwise we stayed home and read and played. I also did flashcards with Cooper. Friday night Chad took Cooper to the Village Shops to see their live Creepy Crawly Show, which he loved. The other two stayed home and watched Night at the Museum movie (very historical while being funny).

Saturday: Ryan Chen came over to play. He moves to Indiana in two weeks. :(  Later we went to church, which we now love. I really enjoy using my ipad for my Bible and note-taking. After we went to Smash Burgers. Catelyn finished Little House on the Prairie today.  

Sunday: The kids and Chad are building rockets for Scouts. Next week there is a launch that we will all attend and participate in. We are also going to go bike riding later since it is so nice out!

Wednesday, May 30

I had my quiet time on the porch, although it wasn't exactly quiet. One-by-one I had my little friends come out to greet me and jump on the trampoline or swing on the swing. Cooper likes to swing on the tire swing standing up like he is surfing or skateboarding!

Catelyn and I snuck in a quick dog walk before the lightening lit up the sky and thunder cracked. It stormed all morning long. It even hailed!! At the end of May!!

Today Catelyn took the Teaching Textbooks placement test for 4th and 5th grade. She could easily do both. Connor did typing practice and Cooper read Harold and the Purple Crayon series by and to himself!! Catelyn then sketched while I worked out. She is a gifted artist. I need to keep her in art class.

Playgroup came over and we all sat around and chatted. The kids played in the backyard and then played basketball and water balloons in the driveway. They had loads of fun!

Up until midnight...kids also...thundeingly loud storm! We will pay for it tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 29

I suffered a headache and tummy ache all day...could be due to change of weather and could be due to the first day of (TTOM-that time of month). Some months it hits with a vengence.

The kids played outside in the morning because it is getting hotter in the afternoon and I did a bit of house work and worked out.

The kids actually did some school type work today. Catelyn started on typing practice and Connor and I did his Time For Learning Social Studies on the computer. He enjoys doing that with me and we never finished up the 5th grade curriculum, so we will work on that throughout the summer. Today we learned about James Madison. Cooper played on my laptop doing some addition facts games and other related math games.

I read for awhile in the afternoon since I'm not feeling real well, and Catelyn joined me for quite a long time reading Little House on the Prairie. I finished Distant Shores and started on Magic Hour, both by Kristen Hannah. Catelyn and Cooper built a fort and then Catelyn drew a wonderful comic sketch on the white board upstairs. Connor played Legos and read a book about World War 2. We watched Animal Atlas again at lunch time about farm animals.

At night we went to Connor's Boy Scout ceremony where he received his Scout badge. Came home and hit the hay!

Very nice day today. Nice leisurely morning. I did my quiet time and then worked out...still able to have the windows open. The Davis' came over to play and I was able to visit with Michelle for a bit.

I spent some time wrapping Cooper's gifts, the kids made cards for him, and I did laundry. We ran some errands to do some returns at Target and the library. We had a fun time laughing in the car! Connor can be so funny (as can Cooper). Connor's disposition is so lovey, and helpful, and sweet, and joyful now. It makes my heart rejoice!

My mom helped me figure out what to get, an iphone or an ipad. Welcome to the technological world! Scary!

After dinner, Connor went to Boy Scouts & Catelyn and I read together side by side, while bunny ran around. Grace came over for pet instructions and I read to the kids. Cooper loves Magic School Bus series. He loves science!! He even read a couple of books to himself today, which is huge!

Off to hold hands. Love this easier pace...

This morning we had Cooper and Catelyn's awards ceremony at school. It was really sweet and a bit sad. Both of their classes sang a hymn and Mrs. Wilson (Cooper's teacher) said, "My third and final Lawrence....Cooper Lawrence" when announcing his name to receive his certificate from the principal. She also told the whole auditorium about his throwing up experience and how she was grateful to Mrs. Murph, our room mom, for cleaning up for her!! We truly have made so many friendships here at Coram Deo and many we will most likely not stay in touch with...it's rather sad. It's the end of an era.

Connor and I went shopping at Target while waiting for the ceremony to start and picked out treat bags for Cooper's friends for his party and also a gift for Connor and Catelyn to give to Cooper.

Catelyn and Cooper went to the Murph's house to play with Dottie and Harry and Andrew went also. They had lunch at Chick-Fil-A and then went to Arbor Hills and hiked around. They had a blast. I discussed the ipad adnosium with my mom (since we are both such experts! ha!) and I did breakdowns, ironed and emptied the dishwasher. I also worked out.

In just a bit I'll go make dinner and send Chad off to Scouts for summer and next fall planning. We have a tiny wild baby bunny hiding in our backyard and it is driving Bella crazy (she's hunting for it which makes me very nervous). Ahhh! I hope it finds a new home soon!

Went for a nice, long dog walk after Chad left for Scouts. Connor dropped off Bella at home and we all stayed at the playground and played for quite awhile. It was really nice and we had a good time visiting with each other while Cooper played. Connor and Cooper played together also. We are having a hard time getting to bed on time these days, its so nice in the evenings.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Sending a big, huge hug your way....will think of you as we watch Annie and remember a day a long time ago we saw it on Broadway??

Have a pain-free day & know I love you. Glad YOU are my mom!!!!

Much love & kisses & hugs....
S

I woke up and had a terrific quiet time and journaled a bit, then blogged. Blogging is really my opportunity to solidify my thoughts that are swirling in the ether. :) PTL for God's marvelous and caring guidance in our lives.

My day truly started with a little 6 year old rushing into my arms with a huge grin, all-engulfing hug, and joyous "Happy Mother's Day mama!" Couldn't ask for a better start to my day!!

Afterward, I had my quiet time and blogged, we opened my Mother's Day gifts. I got a new cookbook I've been wanting and sparkly card from Cooper (hand made, of course) that told me he loved me more than words could say, so,so,so,so much! ;) Catelyn gave me American Girl Design By Me coloring book that we will do together and a pop-up heart card. Connor game me the Ultimate Yogi dvd set!! Yay! and a card with stickers. Chad gave me a "You are the Best Mother" pair of pajamas. :) I am blessed beyond words. My sweet children are gift enough, and my husband who is so supportive and involved in our lives. Truly, nothing could be greater in life than to have MY husband and MY kids...God's goodness is overwhelming!

I did a light workout and soon we will be heading out to Casa Manana to see Annie, the musical, thanks to mom.

Today was a nice relaxing morning. I am getting into the lazy, free, summer time mode, which I utterly love. :) I leisurely had my quiet time, breakfast and worked out. Then I started to rearrange Catelyn's bedroom with her, per her request. It's fun to change things up sometimes & I love providing more room to play.

I dropped Connor at Gabriel's house to play (what a blessing to have a friend so close) and picked up McKay. Catelyn and Cooper, McKay and I all went to Annie's party (from school). It was really fun. There were tons of 3rd grade girls and moms and several of the 1st grade boys to play with. We all had fun socializing. They played games and made a necklace for a craft and ate. I took Ellisyn home and McKay to our house and her mom picked her up. Hannah dropped Connor off and we made a brief sojourn up to Kroger for a few necessary items.

I was fairly worn out by the time we got home and the day was suddenly gone, but I managed to finish up Catelyn's room, rotate laundry and throw some dinner together. We watched Planet Earth together as a family (amazing photography and so interesting & educational, although I try to skip the sad parts...for me, not my kids!) and then put everyone to bed.

We really do a lot of educational things together without me even paying attention, I should probably write them down to remember and keep track. Connor started reading Lord of the Rings and Catelyn is reading through the 39 Clues series. Cooper made a sign and opened a shop that takes donations, in the back yard...my clever little fellow.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

I am having a hard time getting going today and being productive. I blogged this morning and worked out and then we went to Costco to do our weekly shopping. I can't go Friday because we will be busy, so I went today instead. Of course I went hungry, bad idea! Bought more than I intended.


Then we went to take Bella to the vet for her annual check-up and man (!) did it cost waaaay more than I expected. Sticker shock. At least one good part was that Catelyn went into the room with me and was so funny, she made me laugh so hard I was crying! She made Bella "talk" saying, "Get me out of this nose squirting, butt squeezing cell!" because that is what they were doing to our dog. Bella's pacing made me dizzy too! The boys had a great time in the waiting area having cookies and soda and playing ds! They'll want to come every week. LOL


When we got home I dug through the sand box in search of Cooper's hidden treasures...its a game he invented. Now I'm off to do something productive. I'll start laundry and empty the dishwasher...again, and I guess I'll tackle the huge mountainous pile of ironing before starting dinner. At some point I need to wrap Cooper's gifts.


Had a fun time reading to the kids their bedtime stories. Cooper was read to in the playhouse and I read to Catelyn on the patio bench. :0)

Wednesday, May 9

Today...well lets see....

Last day of school for two kids...really all three! Yeah!! Praise the Lord...truly. I am so grateful we made it through a really tough year, and I'm so happy to be done! I am excited about all the lies ahead. God is so good in leading us. I would never have expected this direction for our lives, but I'm overflowing with gratitude to be here.


Cooper and Catelyn went to school for their last school day (they do have an award's ceremony on Monday) & I ran to Target to do some grocery shopping since Friday (regular grocery day) will be crammed full! Came home and did Social Studies with Connor (Lewis & Clark) and he did a math placement test for Teaching Textbooks and did Time4Learning LA. He also read his Cowboy's Wild West book and practiced typing.

After lunch, Connor and I walked the dog and then we sat on the couch and read together. Very peaceful and nice.


After picking up Cooper and Catelyn from school we met many of the first grade moms and kids at Baskin Robbins to celebrate the end of the year. I got to sit and chat with some other moms who are going to home school next year and the kids had lots of fun visiting with friends.

Came home and put away our school books off the shelves (into the attic they go!) and had tacos for dinner. We are about to read to the kids and get them to bed, but Cooper is enjoying a little outdoor bounce time every night.

The kids stayed up late playing outside with it being light out and so nice and Chad and I stayed up too late watching FCDallas play soccer...and lose! :(

Rainy day here and we are all moving slowly.

I have two kids who are on the couch reading the same series...39 Clues, but one is at the beginning and one is at the end. :) Connor finished reading The Hobbit last night. It is good to see him reading again. He had really slowed down in his reading for awhile because he got bogged down in the Hobbit, but didn't want to give it up. It is nice to see him back to a worthy pasttime (just a little biased here). Cooper is upstairs eating breakfast and watching a morning show.

In a bit I will workout, once the coffee has kicked in. Cooper and Catelyn will finish up their last day of homework! Yeah~PTL!! Connor will finish up his Cowboys of the Wild West book and do some more of his Spectrum 5th grade testing booklet which gives him practice in testing and me an overall view of how he has done this year. He and I are also going to do some Time4Learning Social Studies together this morning.

Otherwise it is a free day, which I must enjoy since we have a very full rest of the week.

I do have three breakdowns to do for Mary and a huge ironing pile to tackle, but other than that I'll workout and read and help kids with homework. Chad and Connor have Scouts tonight (last night Cooper went and planted a tree!) and Catelyn is going to try American Heritage Girls. She is so brave to go all on her own to a new place without a friend! It is their "Try us out" night and it is in the same building and the same time at Connor's Scouts.

Alrighty, I'm off to start my day....