Scorching Hot Day At The Pool

It was definately a sizzler outside today. With a high of 99 degrees and a heat index of 111, I figured the best place to spend the afternoon was at the pool. As long as you stayed in the water, you couldn't go wrong.

"Come on, Mom! Let's go already!"

Ashley has learned to dive in off the diving board now!

Ryan officially doesn't need me anymore (sniff sniff) to catch him at the bottom of the water slide.

For more pictures, head on over to Flickr. And be sure to check out the videos below.

Spoiled

Ashley was pretty excited to come home from her friend's house to find out that her Playstation and DVD player were all set up in her room. (Yes, I know my kids are spoiled...lol)

But look who got there first . . . LOL

Caterpillar Power Parade

This morning, Bret and our neighbor Scott took the boys to the Caterpillar Power Parade to see the real thing. They boys had a great time despite the overwhelming heat and humidity.

They had to find some way to cool off.

He still hasn't stopped talking about sitting in this thing.

Didn't realize those things were so huge.

That tire isn't moving, is it?

Now, that's more Ryan size.

For more Power Parade pictures, head on over to Flickr. (Click on the word in this post or under the "Links" column to the right.)

Definition Of Bored Off Your A#$

Bret and I were trying to watch the movie Stealth this afternoon and Ryan was failing to come up with a way to get our attention averted from the movie over to him. Then out he comes, hopping from the bedroom in a laundry hamper. I'd say it worked.

Especially when he tripped and landed on his rear end.

On a brighter note, Grandma Jerry is coming home from the hospital today. What we thought was going to be a fractured hip ended up being a nasty sprain. Thank goodness!!!

Happy Birthday Chloe

Welcome to the world precious baby Chloe! Chloe was born this morning by C-Section at 7:30am. She weighs in at 8 1/2 pounds and is 20 1/2 inches long. From what I understand, her labor wasn't progressiong so they took her in for a cesarean. Mom and baby are doing well. I am so excited to see them...

Some Where Over The Rainbow

After tonight's storm, I'm sure that somewhere over the rainbow lies my pot of gold. However, I'd settle for good health for family and friends that are in the hospital right now.

Bret's grandmother was admitted last night after possibly fracturing her hip. She's going to be 91 this year and all of us are pretty worried. Hopefully everything will be okay.

On a brighter note, little baby Chloe's mom, Cat is being induced right now as we speak. She's been there since last night when she was admitted (as planned) to try to induce labor. They just started giving her petocin to get the labor started. So, in about 12 hours (they say) Chloe should be here! (Yea!)

Sneak Peak

I've been working for the past two days on a video slideshow for Ryan's 6th birthday (August 19) and thought I'd share a few pictures that I've scanned for it. Besides, I've got nothin' else for you today anyway. Wow, does time fly or what?

If only he could be this small again (just for a little while)...

Kind of hard to miss the chicken pox stage...

What a little cutie...

Stay tuned for the rest of it on August 19th.

Trust

After talking it over with my friend Teri down the street, I finally gave in and let Ryan go with Ashley to play with her kids. I've always been unsure when the time will be right for him to go over to other people's houses to play without me there to supervise. Usually when he goes to Teri's house all he wants to do is play in her husband's lego room. (Can you blame the kid? LOL) So after long consideration and Ashley assuring me that she didn't mind him tagging along and promising to keep a good eye on him, I gave in. I'll never know if I can trust him if I don't test him, right? Besides, I know Ashley and Teri will keep an eye on him so I'm sure it'll be fine. So here's how it went:

Me: Ashley, are you sure you don't mind? Because you don't have to take him if you don't want to.

Ashley: I'm sure. He'll be fine and I'll watch him.

Me: Okay, Ryan. You can go. But just for a little while. And you are NOT going over there to play with the legos. You're there to play with Ashley, Quentin and Skyler. Okay?

Ryan: Okay

Me: Okay, but just for a little while.

So I call Teri and let them know that they're on the way. She tells me she sees Ryan running up to her wanting to talk to her. (Knowing I've already told him he's not there to hide out in the lego room.)

Ryan: Teri? Can I play with the legos?

? ? ? ? ? ? ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Teri: Well, what did your mom say?

Ryan: (slowly and quietly) I think she said yes.

Teri: Are you sure?

Ryan: Yes.

Ashley: No, Ryan. Mommy said no legos.

Ryan: (realizing he's busted) Oh, okay.

So? LOL. What's the consensus? Can I trust the little bugger? We'll see how it goes when I get an updated report in from Teri.

10 Going On 16

Who said she could grow up so fast? The next time I turn around and look at her, I swear she'll be 16 and driving and dating (if her dad allows it...ha).

And meanwhile, my son is outside driving around with the empty box of Miller Light from last night's Impromptu Party at the Neighbor's Part II in the back of Reece's Gator. (Daddy would be proud.)

And look at what my son claims to like all of a sudden...mandarin oranges...who would have thought? (Kristen, are you reading this?)

Parental Tricks

There's no mistaking that these kids are mine. Sunday is my housecleaning day and Ryan desperately wanted to help me clean. So what would any smart mommy say to that? I say, "You know what would help me the most? If you clean your own room!" And Ryan says, "Okay, Mommy!" Works everytime. Ha!



My daughter had a much less excited reponse. It went a bit like, "Awww, Mom! Do I have to?" But once she was done, she was pretty proud of herself. And she cleaned it like a pro. Maybe it's time to introduce her to toilets and floors...lol.


And then there's the picture of Ashley and her rodent pet that I promised to post so she can show the thing off. (Is that thing actually still around?!) I'm not sure what the big deal is with this thing, but Bret and the kids seem to really like it so I'll try to put up with it (or at least pretend to), which isn't easy because the hamster has beady little eyes and rodent like feet. Eeeeek. I'm getting the heebie jeebies just knowing she's across the room from me with the thing.

Then we have the payoff. Bret came home with goodies for the kids from the Air Show today; one of them being a helicopter that flies around Ryan's room connected from the ceiling. The kids thought it was the most awesome thing they've ever seen.

Time Flies Too Quickly

I got to spend the day shopping with my daughter today. I think I wore her out. LOL. We went to Walmart and Target to pick out her school supplies, which I always looked forward to when I was her age and I can't believe the list for 5th grade! Multiple binders? With tab dividers for each one? Locker organizer? 2 Boxes of baby wipes? And a million other items. You do not want to know how much I had to spend just so she can go to 5th grade. I only spent a quarter of what I spent today when I took Ryan for his Kindergarten supplies.

I can't believe how quickly time has gone by and how fast my kids have grown.

Ashley going through all of her new school supplies.

Wasn't it just yesterday that Ashley was starting her first day of Kindergarten and Ryan was just a baby sitting in his high chair? Now Ashley's off to 5th grade and Ryan starts kindergarten. Where has the time gone?

Time to go get the box of tissues...sniff.

Lights, Camera, Lights? Lights? Lights?

Our electricty went out again tonight!!! This is getting old really quick. However, it was only out for about 45 minutes this time. And how is it that each time our power goes out, Bret's brother's (who lives a couple miles away) goes out, too? And yet Bret's parents, who live just right down the road, haven't lost theirs yet? (Did I just jinx them? Oops.)

So, since none of us had power tonight, Grant and Jo and their kids came by tonight and the kids had a great time playing together.

I was excited when the lights came back on.

Ryan and Brooke took a break from playing to say a quick "Cheese" for the camera.

Just trying to steal a hug from my little man.

A Parent's Wish

A friend of mine sent this video to me. Grab your tissues and take a peek. Isn't it so true? Now I'm all sniffly!


Parents Wish - video powered by Metacafe

Stroller Derby II

Here's the close up pictures of my son's creative (although I'm not sure very safe) imagination.

Got to turn around so they can see the view from the back.

Pushing it back for another ride.

"This is awesome, dude!"

Whatever will they think up next?!?!?

Best Buddies

While pretending (yes, just pretending) to take a little nap on the couch this afternoon, I listened to my son and his friend, Reece while they where playing with Ryan's Hot Wheels. This is the conversation that I overheard:

Ryan: Let's play with this, Reece.

Reece: Okay, Ryan. How does it work?

Ryan: Wait until I get it together, Reece.

Reece: Okay, Ryan. (again) How does it work? What does this do?

Ryan: Just wait, Reece. I'll show you.

Reece: Wow, this is awesome, dude!

Ryan: Yeah, dude!

Reece: I'm going to be yellow, Ryan.

Ryan: No, I'm going to be yellow because it's my favorite color.

Reece: I'm going to be yellow because it goes faster.

Ryan: Then I'm not going to play!

Reece: Lynda, Ryan threw the red one!

Lynda (from under the blanket): Ryan, don't throw your toys.

Ryan: Oookaaay (with a scowl).

Reece: Hey, Ryan. I have an idea. Let's go play with the trains downstairs!

Ryan: Yeah! That's a great idea!

(I guess they're friends again...LOL)

(A half hour later they come back up)

Reece: Ryan, I think I'm going to go home now.

Ryan: Ok, I'll go with you.

Reece: I think I don't want you to go with me.

Ryan: Oh. Well, if I don't go with you, I'm going to take this toy back downstairs and play with it by myself. (Picks up How Wheels toy and slowly turns around)

(Like Reece cares...LOL)

Reece: Ok, bye, Ryan.

So, what the heck happened before they came upstairs? Don't worry, they'll be friends again later when they miss each other...LOL. But can you see why I needed a nap?

Update: It's ten minutes later and they're already outside swinging on the swingset together. I thought this was girl behavior?!

Baby Chloe

It's official. Baby Chloe will be here on July 27th. (No, I'm not pregnant!) My neighbor is being induced and we are so excited to meet Chloe. In October I'll be babysitting for her when her mom goes back to work. This has been in the works since before Chloe was even conceived. I cannot wait and am so excited to get my baby fix again. Chloe will be just another part of our family during the day. Ryan and Ashley love babies so I may have to put my foot down just to even get to hold her.

Lately things have been so crazy around here with summer sports activities and friends coming and going that I'm looking forward to the routine it will bring back to us. In fact, I think it'll help me to be an even better mother to my own children. It will slow things down for us, allowing me to just sit back, relax and spend quality time with my own children again - just as it was when I watched my niece for two years. And did I mention I'll be getting my baby fix in as well? And having a reason for keeping my house clean, organized and just plain on top of everything again. I think I've lost brain cells since I stopped watching my niece. I certainly am ready. And excited. For my baby fix, of course.

So have a safe journey into this world, Chloe. We look forward to meeting you, spoiling you (but we won't tell your mommy that, of course...lol), and loving you. Hugs and Kisses and we'll see you soon...

Top Ten Reasons Why I Should Just Stop Cleaning

1. No one ever says, "Wow, the house looks great!"

2. No one ever sees just how much work goes into it.

3. I'm exhausted when it's done.

4. It's messed up again within 30 minutes of being cleaned.

5. It never stays clean. ("Kids, take your shoes off, will you?!?!")

6. Too much daily upkeep. (The newness and excitment of my swivel sweeper has worn off by now.)

7. Umm...

Well, obviously I can't come up with 10 good reasons so I guess that means I'll just have to keep cleaning every week. Besides, it would drive me crazy not being clean.

Now I think I'll go take a nap....

Light's Out

Yesterday our electricity went out twice. First in the afternoon for about 2 1/2 hours and then again in the evening for about 3 1/2 hours and wow did it get HOT in this house. I'm sure it had something to do with how hot it got outside yesterday. Bret was over at a neighbor's house playing poker in the dark and I was at home with the kids. After seeking refuge in the basement until there wasn't enough light coming throught the windows, we tried to go back upstairs and tough it out. Couldn't take it. Went outside (where it was actually cooler than in the house) but it was still too humid out. Couldn't take it. High tailed it over to Grandma and Grandpa's for a sweet blast of cold air conditioning until Ryan was so tired he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. I took them home and light up the house with candles.

Ashley helped me pick up the day's mess in the house...

...and Ryan fell asleep on the couch.

Little Plumber Boy

This seems to be a typical problem that Ryan has. For some reason his pants never stay up. Poor little man just doesn't have enough to keep 'em up.

Nice hat!

Heading To The Beach

After my sunbathing experience in the kiddie pool, my neighbor (who came out that day with her video camera to get some black mail footage!!!) told me that next time she was going to pull up the kids' sandbox next to my kiddie pool so that I'll think I'm at the beach. Sad, huh? Maybe my husband will take the hint when he reads this and take us all to a beach somewhere. (Probably not)

Dog Pile

. . . On dad. You thought I was going to say something else, didn't you? LOL.

I've Been Robbed...

...By my own kids! I bought this cute raft for my own sun lounging enjoyment and it didn't look like I was ever going to get a turn with it.

Look who got there first!!!

Did she think she was going to get away with it? LOL.

Guess little man has to have his turn next. That raft is bigger than him.

And he can't quite seem to stay on it. (I swear I didn't tip it this time)

Finally I get a turn and I guess my daughter was looking for revenge from tipping her...

...because she went and called my friend that lives behind us and now I'll never hear the end of sunbathing in my kids' pool. (However, it was the best 30 relaxing minutes in my life)

Can't Ever Say No

After filling the kiddie pool in the backyard already, I gave in and took the kids to the park district pool with some friends today.

Ashley and her friend, Emily.

Taking a break from the water slides.

Ryan and his crew.

You pay money to let them swim and they want to be inside the arcade room instead. I don't think they realized that the games take money and that they weren't really playing.

Finally back out into the pool again.

Wannabe

Ryan was all dressed in his sister's softball team's colors and ready to play. What? No boys allowed? Huh!!!

Sweltering Summer

How can kids handle the heat and humidity so well? I tried to be the good mom and sit out there with them, but I've since taken refuge inside in the air conditioning in my big comfy chair in front of the patio door where I can still see them. (With my mom's laptop that I may never be returning...lol)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's an hour later and my relaxing blogging time in my chair didn't last long. Ryan has since come back into the house, been rinsed off in the tub, given a hair cut, bathed in the tub and is back outside playing which means he'll be needing a bath again tonight. So much for keeping him inside until Ashley's game tonight. The neighbor's are putting together a cute little outdoor house for their daughter which means none of our kids will ever come back inside again. Can we set up beds for them in that house? LOL.