Note: I started this Sunday night and I am doing my best to finish it on Tuesday night. So, Start here with Sunday night's post:
I always have 10,000 things I want to blog about, and pictures I want to post. However, finding the time to actually do BOTH always seems so difficult!
It's been a busy few weeks and it's not about to slow down. I, as usual, am going to work backwards because apparently that is how my memory works best!
Today we attended the "Family Party" for Hailey. As you know, Hailey and Courtney have known each other their whole lives and are only 13 days apart in age! It's always so hard for me to see these birthday's come around. It means they are growing up! But at the same time, I am so happy to see that they still get to celebrate with each other! I am so thankful their friendship has at least lasted the last 5 years! HA! The two of them are pretty similar in personalities, so they do well together. I am noticing that most of the little girls that Courtney really likes to be friends with are all very similar personalities to her. I guess I always thought that opposites attracted. Especially for her, because she is such a strong personality. But the really nice thing is that since she does link up with the same personalities as herself, I have the mom's to commiserate with! HAHA
Anyway, sorry, got on a tangent there. Back to today. It was held at Hailey's (Grandma and) Grandpa's house. This is the first of the girl's birthday's since Kelly's mom has passed. It was difficult being in her home and she wasn't there. She LOVES to entertain, and she loves her granddaughters, so I felt a little sad that she wasn't there to share in the day. But the party was great, and it was so great to see everyone again. Kelly's family has become extended family to us. So, when we get together for these family parties, it just feels like a small reunion every time. Going home today I just felt so blessed to be a part of this wonderful circle of people.
The girls (ours) had a great time because the Z's rented a HUGE jumpy castle that was blown up in the backyard. Kasey is addicted to "jumpy house" as she calls it. I have known this before today. Whenever we are at an event where there is one, getting her to leave it is never an easy feat. She would barely eat lunch today, she wanted to be in the jumpy house too much! She would come out occasionally to get a drink or snack. It was hot today (in the 90's) so at least she would take breaks! Both girls took naps when we got home, which Courtney is really no longer a napper, so we know she was worn out!
We had some excitement the other day. I left the house at 3:30pm with both girls to take Courtney to her feeding clinic. It takes 30 minutes from the time I load the kids in the car to the time we walk into the clinic. Just as we walked into the clinic my phone rang. It was my neighbor. She told me that Maggie was just in her driveway and then took of running. WHAT? How did that happen?! Thankfully Brian was on his way home at that very moment. And he pulled up just moments after Molly called me. So, he drove around looking for Maggie. She was no where to be found. I left the feeding clinic immediately and headed home. Which again, is 30 minutes. Once I got to our neighborhood I drove around for a bit and asked everyone I saw if they had seen a lost dog. Only 1 kid had seen her, but it was still in our neighborhood.
Upon driving around more, I ran into a lady who lives on the street behind us who I just happen to know because she is good friends with Molly. She was sitting outside watching her kids ride bikes. I asked her if she had seen a dog, she said no but she would let us know if she did.
We all finally gave up looking and headed for home. Meanwhile my wonderful mother went to the Humane Society on her way home from work to fill out a lost report and to check the strays they had brought in that day. Which is much more of an ordeal than it sounds. Just as I was making dinner for the girls, the neighbor lady called. Her son found Maggie hiding behind some large electrical boxes! They managed to get a leash on her and get her into their backyard! She got our number from the tags and called me. PHEW! By then it had been over 2 hours since she escaped. I called my mom who was still at the Humane Society and let her know. She was very thankful! Hubby went and retrieved Maggie and brought her home. We were all very glad to see her!
As near as we can figure she slipped out the open garage doors as I was loading the kids in the car and I just didn't even see her! I will be much more careful from now on!
OK, jumping to Tuesday night now:
I forgot to mention that on Saturday I got to go over to Glen Eyrie for a day of training. Glen Eyrie is a castle right here in Colorado Springs! Originally it was built by/for William Jackson Palmer. I am not sure what happened between now and then, but now it is owned by The Glen Eyrie group which is a Christian organization. The castle and grounds are amazingly beautiful. Now a days they have weddings, groups (mostly Christian), teas, and they do have rooms and such that you can rent for a night.
We did our all day training there for MOPS and we got 30 minutes to go outside and have solitude time. The colors there are so vibrant that you almost can't believe it. It is just such a beautiful place in person. So peaceful, you really forget you are in the middle of a bustling city. It's so tucked away and hidden just to the north of Garden of the Gods that you don't hear any city noise.
Here's their website if you would like to see more: http://www.gleneyrie.org/
Other than those big events, things are just plugging right along. We are headed to Minnesota this weekend for Maddie and Toby's wedding! Courtney is the flower girl. Hubby and I have never been to MN, so we are both looking forward to it!
Courtney is loving school and she is already learning by leaps and bounds. I hope she doesn't get bored.
We have a garden going over in our neighbor's garden box. We recently picked 8 cucumbers, half a dozen spaghetti squash, some celery, a pepper, and I think that's it. Let me tell you what. When you grow your own food, it just tastes so much better! All though the cucumbers do have a pretty tough skin. But I remedied that by pickling them. In 4 weeks we will have pickles! I can not wait to find out how they will turn out!
We ate the pepper, we eat the celery, I got 1 tomato so far off my tomato plant (highly disappointing, but it's mostly my fault for not watering it enough). I am really really enjoying the taste of our garden veggies. To the point that it makes me sad to have to buy them at the store again some day. They just do not taste as good as home grown, especially the tomatoes! Those are absolutely the best homegrown! I am so sad I only have 1 so far. I do have a few more green ones, so I should get at least a half a dozen before the plant is done for the winter.
Well, I am sure more has happened that I could blog about, but you know what? I am exhausted, and this is a very busy week for us, getting ready to go to MN and all. We will have a house-sitter here to take care of the pets. So, I am off to bed! Night all!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Kindergarten!!!
Well, we officially have a kindergartner! Monday night we had our back to school night, for the whole school. The parents of kindergarten had their orientation last week. Courtney seemed so sure of herself, and her surroundings. I was convinced that she just didn't understand how things were going to go no matter how much I prepped her. Well, she sure proved me wrong. She was completely prepared.
The big morning came. We all walked to school together. The parents were able to take their kids into school that day. So, we walked Courtney into her new Kindergarten room. They had a "Treasure Hunt" for us to do as a family. The list included things like finding the office, gym, library, bathroom, water fountain, etc, around the school. It also had them find things in their classroom, such as where they put their lunch, where they hang their backpack, etc. The last step was finding her cubby and there was a new pencil in there for them! We then left her there. She has 3 other kids from her preschool class in with her, another girl and 2 boys. So, she at least had some friends already.
She was fine when we left her. I was the one who had tears well up in my eyes. Which surprised me, I thought for sure I would be ok. But apparently I am more of a softy than I thought. Thankfully Hubby knows me better than I know myself and he had tissues in his pocket for me! Her teacher, Mrs. Garcia, saw me well up and was very comforting to me!
Kindergarten is such a big step. And even more so for Courtney! She has had so many struggles in her past, this will really be a test if she is out growing all her issues or still needs more work. I struggle with being worried about her falling behind in some areas. But, we know enough to watch her and stay in close contact with her teacher, so hopefully she will not fall behind in any areas.
Yesterday, on day 2, Courtney and her friend Dakota were at the back of the line to go inside. Day 2 parents were not allowed to walk them inside. We have to get them in their line outside and then kiss them goodbye as they head in. It was funny to listen to all the parents say the same things to their kids. (3 of the 5 kindergarten classes line up together). You kept hearing: I can't come in with you today, today you walk in by yourself! Follow the person in front of you! Stay in line! It made me smile.
Anyway, this other little girl Natalie came up. Her sister, who goes to the middle school (also within walking distance), walked her to school. Her sister had to leave to get to her school, but Natalie didn't want her to. I asked Courtney to make friends with her. Courtney held her hand and Dakota's and the 3 of them went into the school that way. It was so cute! And I was so proud of Courtney for helping Natalie out in that situation. She did it again today. I see 3 fast friends forming there!
I don't know what to do with myself now, only having one kid. Ok, that's not really true. Day 1 I ran errands. Day 2 I had my first day of Ministry Team training for MOPS. Today I have been cleaning and I have an appointment to see my chiropractor at 10:15. I am finding ways for Kasey and I to fill the day pretty easy! But I still miss Courtney. However, I can tell that she is loving it! She is a happy kid!
Here she is getting her picture taken by her teacher:
Sitting in her classroom:
Hanging up her backpack on her hook:
Meanwhile I have been fighting something. Not sure what. I have had a cough for a week plus some congestion. Then Tuesday morning I woke up with pink eye in both eyes. I went to the doctor and he put me on oral antibiotics and eye drops. Today I am finally not coughing like crazy! First day in a week!
Kasey went up to Children's hospital last week for an appointment with a pediatric pulminologist. He diagnosed her with asthma. No big surprise, we have pretty much known it for a year, just no one wanted to use that word. She is now on Singular, Flonase, and Flovent twice a day. We are hoping that makes this winter a bit better for her. She was so sick last winter. However, she apparently caught what I had and it went into a croupy cough in a few days. The good news is that it only lasted about 24 hours. It may be another long winter with her again, but here's to hoping not as bad as last winter! And here's to hoping for no more hospitalizations!
The good news is that now that she is officially diagnosed it should be easier to care for her properly. At least that is what I am hoping. No more skirting around "she may have asthma". And the good news is that she should only get better as she gets older. Hopefully it will either go away all together or her symptoms will lesson. Only time will tell, but here's to hoping for the best!
Well, we need to head to the bank now! Hope all of you are well!!!
The big morning came. We all walked to school together. The parents were able to take their kids into school that day. So, we walked Courtney into her new Kindergarten room. They had a "Treasure Hunt" for us to do as a family. The list included things like finding the office, gym, library, bathroom, water fountain, etc, around the school. It also had them find things in their classroom, such as where they put their lunch, where they hang their backpack, etc. The last step was finding her cubby and there was a new pencil in there for them! We then left her there. She has 3 other kids from her preschool class in with her, another girl and 2 boys. So, she at least had some friends already.
She was fine when we left her. I was the one who had tears well up in my eyes. Which surprised me, I thought for sure I would be ok. But apparently I am more of a softy than I thought. Thankfully Hubby knows me better than I know myself and he had tissues in his pocket for me! Her teacher, Mrs. Garcia, saw me well up and was very comforting to me!
Kindergarten is such a big step. And even more so for Courtney! She has had so many struggles in her past, this will really be a test if she is out growing all her issues or still needs more work. I struggle with being worried about her falling behind in some areas. But, we know enough to watch her and stay in close contact with her teacher, so hopefully she will not fall behind in any areas.
Yesterday, on day 2, Courtney and her friend Dakota were at the back of the line to go inside. Day 2 parents were not allowed to walk them inside. We have to get them in their line outside and then kiss them goodbye as they head in. It was funny to listen to all the parents say the same things to their kids. (3 of the 5 kindergarten classes line up together). You kept hearing: I can't come in with you today, today you walk in by yourself! Follow the person in front of you! Stay in line! It made me smile.
Anyway, this other little girl Natalie came up. Her sister, who goes to the middle school (also within walking distance), walked her to school. Her sister had to leave to get to her school, but Natalie didn't want her to. I asked Courtney to make friends with her. Courtney held her hand and Dakota's and the 3 of them went into the school that way. It was so cute! And I was so proud of Courtney for helping Natalie out in that situation. She did it again today. I see 3 fast friends forming there!
I don't know what to do with myself now, only having one kid. Ok, that's not really true. Day 1 I ran errands. Day 2 I had my first day of Ministry Team training for MOPS. Today I have been cleaning and I have an appointment to see my chiropractor at 10:15. I am finding ways for Kasey and I to fill the day pretty easy! But I still miss Courtney. However, I can tell that she is loving it! She is a happy kid!
Here she is getting her picture taken by her teacher:
Sitting in her classroom:
Hanging up her backpack on her hook:
Meanwhile I have been fighting something. Not sure what. I have had a cough for a week plus some congestion. Then Tuesday morning I woke up with pink eye in both eyes. I went to the doctor and he put me on oral antibiotics and eye drops. Today I am finally not coughing like crazy! First day in a week!
Kasey went up to Children's hospital last week for an appointment with a pediatric pulminologist. He diagnosed her with asthma. No big surprise, we have pretty much known it for a year, just no one wanted to use that word. She is now on Singular, Flonase, and Flovent twice a day. We are hoping that makes this winter a bit better for her. She was so sick last winter. However, she apparently caught what I had and it went into a croupy cough in a few days. The good news is that it only lasted about 24 hours. It may be another long winter with her again, but here's to hoping not as bad as last winter! And here's to hoping for no more hospitalizations!
The good news is that now that she is officially diagnosed it should be easier to care for her properly. At least that is what I am hoping. No more skirting around "she may have asthma". And the good news is that she should only get better as she gets older. Hopefully it will either go away all together or her symptoms will lesson. Only time will tell, but here's to hoping for the best!
Well, we need to head to the bank now! Hope all of you are well!!!
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Just back from Vegas!
I just got back from Vegas last night, so did Hubby (later than me though, because he drove). We were out there for the conference DEFCON. It is a big hacker conference for all the people in the same field as Hubby. (http://www.defcon.org/).
Hubby and his company run the information booths at the conference. I go as a staff member. We direct people as to where they are trying to go, answer questions, etc. It's fun. We find ways to entertain ourselves too.
Hubby got us wives free tickets to Chippendales! So, Friday night all of the wives and one daughter went to the Chippendales show. Afterwards, we were given VIP access to the VooDoo lounge at the top of the Rio Hotel we were staying in. What a neat place! It's a dance club at night with amazing views, and a patio to dance and enjoy it on!
The rest of the weekend was working and socializing. We were lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night. We also had an awesome hotel room with amazing views!
Hubby's parents flew in to stay with the girls so we could go to the conference. Sounds like all of them had a blast and now that Hubby and I are back home again, we get to enjoy their company for a few days!
We have been sooo busy the last month. It has flown by. We have done a lot of different things. Hubby and I went to an exclusive sneak peak of the new elephant barn they are building at the zoo. We also got to see the newest addition to the elephant pack, an elephant named Jambo. She has the prettiest eyes I have ever seen on an elephant.
I went with the girls to the North Pole. We went up with the P's while Hubby was out of town. That of course is always a big hit.
Hubby took a day off one week and we took the girls up to a water park in Denver called Pirates Cove. It's a scaled down water park, great for young kids.
We have gone swimming, played outside, and all kinds of different fun activities. Tonight we have our Kindergarten orientation, for parents only. Next week Courtney gets to go and meet her teacher, bring in her school supplies and meet her teacher. I did our school shopping a few weeks ago, before it started to get super crowded and busy.
Well, time to go and make a peach cobbler with peaches that Hubby picked up when he was driving back last night!
Hubby and his company run the information booths at the conference. I go as a staff member. We direct people as to where they are trying to go, answer questions, etc. It's fun. We find ways to entertain ourselves too.
Hubby got us wives free tickets to Chippendales! So, Friday night all of the wives and one daughter went to the Chippendales show. Afterwards, we were given VIP access to the VooDoo lounge at the top of the Rio Hotel we were staying in. What a neat place! It's a dance club at night with amazing views, and a patio to dance and enjoy it on!
The rest of the weekend was working and socializing. We were lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night. We also had an awesome hotel room with amazing views!
Hubby's parents flew in to stay with the girls so we could go to the conference. Sounds like all of them had a blast and now that Hubby and I are back home again, we get to enjoy their company for a few days!
We have been sooo busy the last month. It has flown by. We have done a lot of different things. Hubby and I went to an exclusive sneak peak of the new elephant barn they are building at the zoo. We also got to see the newest addition to the elephant pack, an elephant named Jambo. She has the prettiest eyes I have ever seen on an elephant.
I went with the girls to the North Pole. We went up with the P's while Hubby was out of town. That of course is always a big hit.
Hubby took a day off one week and we took the girls up to a water park in Denver called Pirates Cove. It's a scaled down water park, great for young kids.
We have gone swimming, played outside, and all kinds of different fun activities. Tonight we have our Kindergarten orientation, for parents only. Next week Courtney gets to go and meet her teacher, bring in her school supplies and meet her teacher. I did our school shopping a few weeks ago, before it started to get super crowded and busy.
Well, time to go and make a peach cobbler with peaches that Hubby picked up when he was driving back last night!
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