We are halfway through our saga of a PCS. I wanted to recored all of our adventures before I have time to forget them, as I know one day I will.
Let's see....in true Tyson fashion Matt and I spent the week before our move going out with all of our friends. We MEANT to clean and pack, but every time a better invitation came along we jumped on that bandwagon. What can I say...goodbyes are rough! The day of departure eventually did come though, and we stayed up till 5am attempting to clean our house. Fun times! Who knew how long it would take just to do baseboards? So we cut them a $370 damage check and got out of dodge. I thought that was pretty good. I knew we had some damages from our household of kids and cats, and their rates were actually very reasonable. Yay Balfour Beatty! It took the lady like two hours to inspect the house though. Why I have no idea...it was empty!
So we pulled out of Connecticut about noon. It was like 11 degrees so I was all too happy to head south. I had a terrible headache though, which got worse and worse as I drove. Katy Ann screamed for hours which made it progress to a full blown migraine. I had to admire her stamina though. Soo...we made it just into New Jersey before I insisted we pull over for the night. Matt said we would never get to Mississippi if I only drove three hours a day, but I did not care. I told him his vehicle (containing Little Matt and the cats) could go wherever he wanted to, but me and the three girls were calling it quits.
We hunted high and low for a hotel that would take pets and then headed to the Red Roof Inn. We asked for a non-smoking room which was very very smokey. I went and asked the lady at the front desk if they had any other rooms, and they moved us to a second "non-smoking" room that someone had just emptied an entire can of air freshener into, lol. We settled in none the less however - I was just so glad to be off the road. I tried to keep the children on the beds because the floor was filthy. Unfortunately we were there maybe fifteen minutes before Carrie took a head-first tumble onto the hardwood floors. That was incident #1. A few hours later I was brushing the kids' teeth when Matt slammed Beth's finger in the bathroom door. I thought for sure this finger was broken. It was gruesome really. The nail was out of the nail bed and it just bled and bled. And she screamed and screamed. We debated an ER trip, but ended up bandaging it and waiting to see how it looked in the morning. She seems okay now btw, I guess that nail will just have to grow back. That was incident #2. I did eventually get the kids in bed....for a while anyway. A little after midnight I heard a terrible sound. It was Matt with a croup attack. This is honestly the worst sound ever, and if I hadn't known what it was I would have called 911. We have dealt with this before however, so I just snatched him up and started in on the steam treatments in the bathroom and visits out into the frigid parking lock. It went on for hours. Once again we were thinking about going to the ER, but eventually he did fall asleep, my poor boy. He has asthma and I think the smokey/air freshened room was not great for him. That was incident #3.
The next morning we got up...the hot water didn't work and the tv appeared to only play porn, so we got out of there quick. I was feeling surprisingly well rested and chipper considering. Day two was fantastic! Go figure... We drove 11 hours and made it all the way to my parents' house in North Carolina. My girls were so good and rode so nicely....and Matt loved being alone with his dad. The only issue was about two hours out it started to snow. That is pretty unusual for the south, so traffic slowed to a crawl. But yay, we made it!
We then spent several days visiting both sets of grandparents, other relatives, and old friends. Good times! Soon enough, it was on to VA Beach for Christmas though. We stayed in a little cabin on Ft Story, VA. If you're military and ever in the area I really recommend it. It was sooo nice! I only wish it had been warm enough to really enjoy the beach aspect of the location. And the price just can't be beat! I think next time we move I am going to try to plan our route so we can just stay at base hotels. They are all around nicer, cleaner, and cheaper. The kids had a great Christmas. Beth and Matt got new bikes and Carrie got a car ramp for her Little People. The only downside was that the sickness continued to make it's way through the family. I was laid up with a fever on Christmas Eve, but still trying to tend the baby while Matt put bikes and toys together. Then the 26th it hit him too.
Soo...the big excitement of Christmas night was everyone saying a blizzard was on the way. We had plans to drive out the next morning, and I honestly thought we still would. People in the south get all worked up at any mention of snow, and as a kid growing up here I can always remember being disappointed in the actual amount. A projected 4-6 inches always seems to end up just being a dusting. Well, this time I was wrong! It snowed 14 inches. Seriously. They said it was the biggest snow VA Beach has had in a 100 years. If you live pretty much anywhere on the East Coast of course you know just what I am talking about. It was nuts! Of course all our snow gear is sitting in some storage unit in Mississippi - who knew we needed it?? I felt very trapped in our little beach house on stilts too. I had to walk down three times, and slipped and fell two of those times.
Needless to say we stayed another day. The 27th was really not much better though, and we had a truly impressive spin out on the interstate. I held my breath while we fishtailed across four lanes of traffic and then finally came to a stop facing the wrong direction. We proceeded VERY slowly after that. Thankfully we had just put new tires on the van the day before we left. Hopefully that helped at least a little.
We are now bringing the visitation part of our trip to a close. First thing Saturday morning (and the first day of 2011!) we will be proceeding south once more. Mississippi here we come!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
One week left!
The movers will be here a week from today! I have such a massive to-do list to complete between now and then. And then after the movers leave it will be time to clean, clean, clean this house for inspection. I had high hopes of just hiring a cleaning crew to come through, but it turns out we would have had to book them months ago. Too bad the Coast Guard didn't give us months of notice! This move has been crazy with the timeline changing several times, but the big day is almost here.
The kids are all doing well. I think they are just very excited about Christmas coming so soon, and that is distracting them from some of the less pleasant parts of moving. They will also get to spend Christmas with their extended family this year, for the first time ever.
I think we are all mentally ready for the move now, which just leaves a whole ton of physical work to be done. I am slowly start to peck away at my list. I LOVE to make lists. I have tons of lists, for all parts of our family life. I'm not so good at completing the lists. I tend to lose the lists. I also give the lists to Matt, and he in turn ignores them completely. All I can say is thank goodness this a government move! I don't care how much money we'd make, I'd never survive another DITY. At least not with my sanity intact.
The kids are all doing well. I think they are just very excited about Christmas coming so soon, and that is distracting them from some of the less pleasant parts of moving. They will also get to spend Christmas with their extended family this year, for the first time ever.
I think we are all mentally ready for the move now, which just leaves a whole ton of physical work to be done. I am slowly start to peck away at my list. I LOVE to make lists. I have tons of lists, for all parts of our family life. I'm not so good at completing the lists. I tend to lose the lists. I also give the lists to Matt, and he in turn ignores them completely. All I can say is thank goodness this a government move! I don't care how much money we'd make, I'd never survive another DITY. At least not with my sanity intact.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Second Thanksgiving
It sure feels that way in any case! I've been cooking all day, and we're going to send to a yummy turkey dinner after Matt gets home from work. These colder days just make me want to cook, bake....and eat. I better make sure I get some exercise in there as well. The kids and I did get out for a long time this afternoon. It's kind of a pain, because they all need coats, gloves, and mittens now. And only one of them can put all those things on themselves. I was really glad I said "yes" to outside time today though. It was not as cold as I had expected and the kids just had so much fun. Little Katy was cracking me up too. I was wearing her in the carrier, and every time we popped in to check on the cooking she started to cry. She wanted so badly to stay out with her siblings - she knows where the action is! Beth and Matt spent their afternoon making a huge rock wall. Seriously.....they lifted and hauled rocks for at least an hour. I only wish I had their energy.
Yesterday the kids had their very last gymnastic and swim sessions. It feels strange that we will not be back for the spring sessions this year. We have been taking classes through the Rec Dept since Beth was two, and the kids have loved all of them. I promised the kids I would look into classes for them in Mississippi. I've looked a little online, but we still don't know exactly where we are going to be living. I'm also hoping to find a church where they can continue in AWANA's.
As for this week, I am really trying to stay on track and get school done with the kids all five days. We already took last week off for Thanksgiving, and I'm sure most of December and January are going to be very hectic. We started off with a bang yesterday, but then today I couldn't find our current FIAR book. I think it got packed away for the move. Seriously...that is just my luck. It was pretty funny really. I had all the kids scrambling around helping me search for it, and then at the exact same time Beth, Matt, and I looked at the big stack of boxes. And then we knew. I'm trying to decide how badly I want it back. I may very well move onto the next book, and pick that one back up later.
Yesterday the kids had their very last gymnastic and swim sessions. It feels strange that we will not be back for the spring sessions this year. We have been taking classes through the Rec Dept since Beth was two, and the kids have loved all of them. I promised the kids I would look into classes for them in Mississippi. I've looked a little online, but we still don't know exactly where we are going to be living. I'm also hoping to find a church where they can continue in AWANA's.
As for this week, I am really trying to stay on track and get school done with the kids all five days. We already took last week off for Thanksgiving, and I'm sure most of December and January are going to be very hectic. We started off with a bang yesterday, but then today I couldn't find our current FIAR book. I think it got packed away for the move. Seriously...that is just my luck. It was pretty funny really. I had all the kids scrambling around helping me search for it, and then at the exact same time Beth, Matt, and I looked at the big stack of boxes. And then we knew. I'm trying to decide how badly I want it back. I may very well move onto the next book, and pick that one back up later.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope everyone had a fantastic day! I was thinking about my family back in North Carolina. I miss them on holidays, even though it has been several years since we have been home for one. We had a very nice Thanksgiving here in Connecticut in any case. I made monkey bread for breakfast (had to start that terrible eating early in the day!) and we laid around in our pajamas watching the Macy's parade all morning. Then it was time to start cooking and getting ready for the big feast! We ate with some friends....there were 33 of us in total. I will miss our CT friends for sure after we move. We have spent so many holidays together now that it will be weird not being together next year. I think that it is only in the military that you can meet someone, and then just a short while later feel like they are a part of your family. Thank goodness the Internet makes it so easy to keep in touch these days. And who knows....maybe we will meet some of our old friends at duty stations again in the future.
Anyway, here are the little turkeys Beth, Matt, and Carrie made this year. Aren't they cute? I call those three my little turkeys all year around, so this project seemed very fitting. I love hearing the things they were thankful for. Some didn't surprise me at all - like Beth naming her kitties, lol. Some I was impressed it - like family, church, and God's world. Some just made me laugh - like a certain child who is thankful for dinosaurs.
And here is my tiny Katy Ann....all tuckered out. I dipped her binks in some candied yams this afternoon. She sucked it sooo hard, and just would not spit it out. I don't think she is quite ready to eat off a spoon though. Maybe next month!
Anyway, here are the little turkeys Beth, Matt, and Carrie made this year. Aren't they cute? I call those three my little turkeys all year around, so this project seemed very fitting. I love hearing the things they were thankful for. Some didn't surprise me at all - like Beth naming her kitties, lol. Some I was impressed it - like family, church, and God's world. Some just made me laugh - like a certain child who is thankful for dinosaurs.
And here is my tiny Katy Ann....all tuckered out. I dipped her binks in some candied yams this afternoon. She sucked it sooo hard, and just would not spit it out. I don't think she is quite ready to eat off a spoon though. Maybe next month!
Friday, November 19, 2010
One more month!
We are down to just one more month here in Connecticut. After almost five years here, it is crazy to think about packing up and leaving it all behind. We arrived here with just Baby Beth, and are leaving with Beth, Matt, Carrie, and Baby Katy. Wow, not bad for one tour! Matt got his final orders today, and it all seems very official now. He has three more weeks of work, and then will be helping me tie up loose ends around the house before we head out. I'm kind of sad, but as the weather continues to get colder, wintering in Mississippi is sounding better and better.
In the meantime we are continuing on with school, swim lessons, gymnastics, playdates with friends, and all our usual activities. Beth is just about halfway through her kindergarten math and reading programs now. Matt is just starting his kindergarten year. Yes, I randomly started him in November. He was super jealous of Beth's work, and is really holding his own at the kindergarten level. He is just learning to write, so he can't do the written work that his sister can, but he is turning out to be quite the math and computer whiz. A stereotypical boy I guess!
In the meantime we are continuing on with school, swim lessons, gymnastics, playdates with friends, and all our usual activities. Beth is just about halfway through her kindergarten math and reading programs now. Matt is just starting his kindergarten year. Yes, I randomly started him in November. He was super jealous of Beth's work, and is really holding his own at the kindergarten level. He is just learning to write, so he can't do the written work that his sister can, but he is turning out to be quite the math and computer whiz. A stereotypical boy I guess!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Catching up
Things have been busy busy around here!
We have finished one FIAR book, and started another since I last updated. The first one was:
We LOVED this book. It was a great way to learn about geography. I even went out and bought that globe I had been considering for a while. We of course also had to make an apple pie, and it was just the right time of year for us to be able to go pick our own. I think the kids' favorite related activity was painting these apple trees. I saw these online, and the only thing we did differently was using a footprint to make the tree trunk. The leaves were handprints and the apples were fingerprints...it was messy but fun!
Our next book, which we are still working on, is:
The cool thing about this book is it takes place here in Connecticut. In fact the restaurant on the book is on the street where I went to college! It apparently was a real place which closed back in the 70's, but the waterfront in the illustrations still looks very familiar to me. I only wish we had done this book sooner, before the weather got so cold. It would have been a good excuse for a field trip to the beach. We woke up to snow today though.....I think our beach trips are done for the season! This seems early to me, even for Connecticut.
In other news, my kids had their big Gran Prix race last night! They were so excited. This was our first year, and as you can see I had the kids make their own cars. Sadly, they didn't stand a chance against the cars made 100% by parents. I also did not know that you could add weight to the cars. Live and learn, right? Next year I will help them more.
The little yellow one is Carrie's. She was so jealous when they started painting, and then I remembered that I had some plain wooden cars I had picked up some time ago. Next year she will be old enough to be a Cubbie herself.
My Beth girl :)
Finally, I just had to share this picture of my little Katy Ann. Look how she loves her siblings! She is still not sleeping in her bed (at all!) but she has improved in letting me put her down during her awake periods. She especially loves her exersaucer.
We have finished one FIAR book, and started another since I last updated. The first one was:
We LOVED this book. It was a great way to learn about geography. I even went out and bought that globe I had been considering for a while. We of course also had to make an apple pie, and it was just the right time of year for us to be able to go pick our own. I think the kids' favorite related activity was painting these apple trees. I saw these online, and the only thing we did differently was using a footprint to make the tree trunk. The leaves were handprints and the apples were fingerprints...it was messy but fun!
Our next book, which we are still working on, is:
The cool thing about this book is it takes place here in Connecticut. In fact the restaurant on the book is on the street where I went to college! It apparently was a real place which closed back in the 70's, but the waterfront in the illustrations still looks very familiar to me. I only wish we had done this book sooner, before the weather got so cold. It would have been a good excuse for a field trip to the beach. We woke up to snow today though.....I think our beach trips are done for the season! This seems early to me, even for Connecticut.
In other news, my kids had their big Gran Prix race last night! They were so excited. This was our first year, and as you can see I had the kids make their own cars. Sadly, they didn't stand a chance against the cars made 100% by parents. I also did not know that you could add weight to the cars. Live and learn, right? Next year I will help them more.
The little yellow one is Carrie's. She was so jealous when they started painting, and then I remembered that I had some plain wooden cars I had picked up some time ago. Next year she will be old enough to be a Cubbie herself.
My Beth girl :)
Finally, I just had to share this picture of my little Katy Ann. Look how she loves her siblings! She is still not sleeping in her bed (at all!) but she has improved in letting me put her down during her awake periods. She especially loves her exersaucer.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Book 4
I guess I really can't really post these by week anymore since some of the books have lasted a bit longer than that.
This past week and a half we have been rowing Madeline.
This was a cute story, and the kids really enjoyed it. We learned some new vocabulary words, studied the art in the book, learned a little about France, and practiced healthy habits. I think the kids' favorite thing was when we coated our hands in a small amount of Vaseline sprinkled with black pepper. The pepper represented germs, and we compared the results of just a quick rinse in the sink verses a good scrubbing with soap and warm water. I hope that lesson will stick with them through the coming flu season!
Since the little girls in the book do everything in two lines of six, we also took this opportunity to learn a little about symmetry. I couldn't resist letting them make symmetrical butterflies, which is something I can remember doing when I was about their age. Beth requested orange and black so they could made Monarchs - her favorite. Our butterflies turned out a little asymmetrical in the end, but it was fun making them. I think I will try them again soon, using glue we squirt on rather than paint brushes.
In other news Beth earned her first Awana patch this week - she is so proud! I need to sew it on still so it's not in this picture. She asks me about it like three times a day. I promised her I would get it done before the next meeting! Their next Awana project is the Grand Prix (it's like the Pinewood Derby, if you have been involved with the Boy Scouts.) I am glad to turn that project over to Daddy.
This past week and a half we have been rowing Madeline.
This was a cute story, and the kids really enjoyed it. We learned some new vocabulary words, studied the art in the book, learned a little about France, and practiced healthy habits. I think the kids' favorite thing was when we coated our hands in a small amount of Vaseline sprinkled with black pepper. The pepper represented germs, and we compared the results of just a quick rinse in the sink verses a good scrubbing with soap and warm water. I hope that lesson will stick with them through the coming flu season!
Since the little girls in the book do everything in two lines of six, we also took this opportunity to learn a little about symmetry. I couldn't resist letting them make symmetrical butterflies, which is something I can remember doing when I was about their age. Beth requested orange and black so they could made Monarchs - her favorite. Our butterflies turned out a little asymmetrical in the end, but it was fun making them. I think I will try them again soon, using glue we squirt on rather than paint brushes.
In other news Beth earned her first Awana patch this week - she is so proud! I need to sew it on still so it's not in this picture. She asks me about it like three times a day. I promised her I would get it done before the next meeting! Their next Awana project is the Grand Prix (it's like the Pinewood Derby, if you have been involved with the Boy Scouts.) I am glad to turn that project over to Daddy.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Brrr...
I think I can finally say fall is here! Connecticut is always jumpy with the season changes. Sometime in September we'll need to get the coats out, and then the next day it will be 90 degrees! It sure makes dressing the kids a pain...it's all about layers yet. Today is down right chilly though. I think we have worn our shorts for the last time this year.
We spent our crisp fall day out apple picking. It's been one of our favorite things about New England, and I will sure miss it. The kids also gathered an assortment of colorful gourds, pumpkins, and mums. As for Mom and Dad....we went in search of the hard cider!
We have just eight more weeks in Connecticut! I feel like the countdown is definitely on. It's been a while since we've done a full fledged military move, and there are just so many details to take care of. Why they make this so confusing I have no idea. You would think that the military would be THE experts on orchestrating moves, you know? Oh well, come hell or high water, we will be arriving in Mississippi in two more months! I just hope we have a place to live. Even a nice hotel room will do. One that takes four kids and two cats, lol.
School is going well. Beth and Matt are like little sponges. I am so glad, since I frequently feel like I don't have enough time to sit down with them one on one. Slowly but surely though we are getting used to having our little Katy with us during the school day. I just can't believe it took four months! I have been doing quite a bit of school with each of them in the evenings too (when Daddy is home) and that has been a huge help. Beth is really starting to read on her own, and that is my main academic goal for her this year. As for Matt....he always asks me when it is going to be his turn to do school. He is so active that I was just going to wait for next year before asking him to do seat work, but he has really surprised me with what he can suddenly do now. He even taught himself how to write his name! He writes it right to left as frequently as not, but still!
We spent our crisp fall day out apple picking. It's been one of our favorite things about New England, and I will sure miss it. The kids also gathered an assortment of colorful gourds, pumpkins, and mums. As for Mom and Dad....we went in search of the hard cider!
We have just eight more weeks in Connecticut! I feel like the countdown is definitely on. It's been a while since we've done a full fledged military move, and there are just so many details to take care of. Why they make this so confusing I have no idea. You would think that the military would be THE experts on orchestrating moves, you know? Oh well, come hell or high water, we will be arriving in Mississippi in two more months! I just hope we have a place to live. Even a nice hotel room will do. One that takes four kids and two cats, lol.
School is going well. Beth and Matt are like little sponges. I am so glad, since I frequently feel like I don't have enough time to sit down with them one on one. Slowly but surely though we are getting used to having our little Katy with us during the school day. I just can't believe it took four months! I have been doing quite a bit of school with each of them in the evenings too (when Daddy is home) and that has been a huge help. Beth is really starting to read on her own, and that is my main academic goal for her this year. As for Matt....he always asks me when it is going to be his turn to do school. He is so active that I was just going to wait for next year before asking him to do seat work, but he has really surprised me with what he can suddenly do now. He even taught himself how to write his name! He writes it right to left as frequently as not, but still!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Beautiful Connecticut
I am really going to miss it here! I never would have that that would be the case when we moved here, but 4 1/2 years later it has really grown on me.
We have been spending a good part of our days stomping through the woods. Who can resist in October? I think this is my favorite month of the year! Beth does her phonics and math work in the evenings now, after it has gotten dark and we're in for the day.
This morning we took a little field trip over to Mystic to walk along the river and watch the drawbridge open. We are learning about rivers this week, so I thought it would be a good time for a visit.
We have been spending a good part of our days stomping through the woods. Who can resist in October? I think this is my favorite month of the year! Beth does her phonics and math work in the evenings now, after it has gotten dark and we're in for the day.
This morning we took a little field trip over to Mystic to walk along the river and watch the drawbridge open. We are learning about rivers this week, so I thought it would be a good time for a visit.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Happy Birthday :)
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! He's 27 this year, and we started dating when he was 17 (and I was 16.) I can't believe it has been ten years already! I still feel the same. I guess the four kids prove we are not teenagers anymore though. Next month will make eight years of marriage as well.
I'm so glad it fell on Columbus Day this year...it's awesome having a three day weekend! The weather was perfect for apple picking too, so we spent a nice day at the orchard. After that it was home for apple crisp and cider....yummy!
I just love having Matt home. I enjoy his company of course, but it's also nice having an extra set of hands. I feel like I can get so much more done, and he always the best ideas for activities with the big kids. I think I should look for a job and let him homeschool!
I'm so glad it fell on Columbus Day this year...it's awesome having a three day weekend! The weather was perfect for apple picking too, so we spent a nice day at the orchard. After that it was home for apple crisp and cider....yummy!
I just love having Matt home. I enjoy his company of course, but it's also nice having an extra set of hands. I feel like I can get so much more done, and he always the best ideas for activities with the big kids. I think I should look for a job and let him homeschool!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Home Again :)
We had a wonderful visit to North Carolina and Virginia last week. It is never easy taking such a long trip with four little kids, but I have to say that my kids all travel pretty well. Unfortunately we did have one get sick on the way down (she had a fever and was throwing up, poor thing) but at least no one else got it. My brother-in-laws wedding was beautiful, and little Miss Beth made a very cute flower girl. We also enjoyed seeing lots of family we have not seen in several years.
After 10 days on the road we were all happy to roll back up to our own home this weekend. Now if I could only catch up on laundry, unpacking, and all of our regular housework.... Katy still wants me to hold her 24/7 so it is very hard to get much of anything done during the day. I feel like I should be some kind of baby expert at this point, but it turns out each baby has been totally different. I feel like my holding her so much we are just teaching her to expect that, but on the other hand she gets SO upset when we do put her down that I feel terrible. She dislikes her swing, her bouncy seat, and the sling I have. I just bought her a bumbo chair and a different carrier today to try. Have you ever met such a spoiled little princess? I figure I will just have to do the best I can for now, and this time next year she will be up and running all over the place anyway. I'm not sure how that is going to equal LESS housework...but at least I'll be able to get off the couch and get to work, lol.
After 10 days on the road we were all happy to roll back up to our own home this weekend. Now if I could only catch up on laundry, unpacking, and all of our regular housework.... Katy still wants me to hold her 24/7 so it is very hard to get much of anything done during the day. I feel like I should be some kind of baby expert at this point, but it turns out each baby has been totally different. I feel like my holding her so much we are just teaching her to expect that, but on the other hand she gets SO upset when we do put her down that I feel terrible. She dislikes her swing, her bouncy seat, and the sling I have. I just bought her a bumbo chair and a different carrier today to try. Have you ever met such a spoiled little princess? I figure I will just have to do the best I can for now, and this time next year she will be up and running all over the place anyway. I'm not sure how that is going to equal LESS housework...but at least I'll be able to get off the couch and get to work, lol.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week 4
We are having a short school week since we are leaving for my BIL's wedding first thing Thursday morning. I am looking forward to seeing all of our relatives, but not to the 14+ hour drive.
This is our FIAR book of the week.
Another great story! So far I am loving each of the book selections. This one is especially good for us since Beth and Matt are learning a little about Chinese geography and culture, and little Carrie is having fun with duck related activities. Anyone remember this song? I know I sang it when I was a preschooler. Carrie has us singing it all day!
Six little ducks that I once knew
Fat ones, skinny ones, fair ones too
But the one little duck with the feather on her back
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Well down to the river they did go
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho ho ho
But the one little duck with the feather on her back
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Well home from the river they did come
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho hum hum
But the one little duck with the feather on his back
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Aside from our Ping related activities we have managed to get some math and phonics lessons in with Beth, and have spent tons of time playing outside. It is about 70 degrees during the day now - perfect! All of our fall activities started back up this week as well, so I have been doing a little running around. We have AWANA's, gymnastics, swim lessons, library storytime, and a science class that meets twice a month. Spread over the course of the week those seem like just enough for us.
In the house the kids manage to keep themselves entertained pretty well. They have never been big on TV, which I suppose is good, but their dusk till dawn playing sure does make a mess of my house! Beth at least is a good little helper when it comes time to cleanup. The others are a work in progress...
When they do venture down from their playroom, this is what I find. I think Matt needs to stop letting his sisters give him fashion advice.
This is our FIAR book of the week.
Another great story! So far I am loving each of the book selections. This one is especially good for us since Beth and Matt are learning a little about Chinese geography and culture, and little Carrie is having fun with duck related activities. Anyone remember this song? I know I sang it when I was a preschooler. Carrie has us singing it all day!
Six little ducks that I once knew
Fat ones, skinny ones, fair ones too
But the one little duck with the feather on her back
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Well down to the river they did go
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho ho ho
But the one little duck with the feather on her back
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
She led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Well home from the river they did come
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho hum hum
But the one little duck with the feather on his back
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Aside from our Ping related activities we have managed to get some math and phonics lessons in with Beth, and have spent tons of time playing outside. It is about 70 degrees during the day now - perfect! All of our fall activities started back up this week as well, so I have been doing a little running around. We have AWANA's, gymnastics, swim lessons, library storytime, and a science class that meets twice a month. Spread over the course of the week those seem like just enough for us.
In the house the kids manage to keep themselves entertained pretty well. They have never been big on TV, which I suppose is good, but their dusk till dawn playing sure does make a mess of my house! Beth at least is a good little helper when it comes time to cleanup. The others are a work in progress...
When they do venture down from their playroom, this is what I find. I think Matt needs to stop letting his sisters give him fashion advice.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Week 3
We're having another fun and busy week...I can't believe it is already Wednesday afternoon! This past weekend we went to the zoo, fair, Chuck E Cheese, and the park. I think my house is a kids' paradise, lol. It's because all I want to do is play with the kids myself....I have to make myself stay home and take care of the housework and cooking. I think the kids' favorite outing was the fair. We didn't do the rides this year....we just went to see all the 4-H exhibits. Beth especially LOVED all the animals and wanted to sit and watch all the 4-H kids show their animals. She now wants me to buy her a little brown goat. I think military housing would frown upon that.
We are enjoying our school work as well. This is our book of the week.
It's such a cute story....I recommend it for anyone, even if you are not using Five in a Row. My kids are loving FIAR btw! I wasn't sure that they'd go for reading the same book five times in one week, but we even my hyper little boy loves to sit and listen to the story each day. The books are older and can be a bit hard to find, but so far each one I've read has been of the best quality. Beth is still plugging along with her kindergarten phonics and math programs. Math is a favorite for all of the kids and is easy to include the little guys in, but reading is turning out to be quite a challenge. The other kids are just so LOUD all the time, and I have a lot of trouble trying to keep her focused long enough to get through a lesson. I'm thinking about either shifting her reading work to during quiet time (when all the kids are in their own rooms) or the evening (when my dh is home to help.)
My little Katy is three months old now....she is just too sweet! She never ever lets us put her down, but she does reward us with little smiles and coos all day long. I feel like I could actually catch up around the house if she would sleep a little better....but it just isn't in the cards! Maybe next year, lol.
Matt wrote his name for the first time this week! A certain Very Bad Mommy threw his paper in the trash, then later had to fish it out from under broken egg shells (ew.) Luckily the part he wrote on was dry, so I cut that out and managed to save it. He also enjoyed painting and several other art activities this week. A few months ago he wouldn't have been interested in any of this. I'm glad to see him sitting for short periods at least now.
Mostly though, he just wants to spend his days outside....having sword fights and getting into all sorts of messes. He plays happily with his sisters all day, but he is mighty excited when the school bus comes at 4pm and drops all the neighborhood boys back off.
We are enjoying our school work as well. This is our book of the week.
It's such a cute story....I recommend it for anyone, even if you are not using Five in a Row. My kids are loving FIAR btw! I wasn't sure that they'd go for reading the same book five times in one week, but we even my hyper little boy loves to sit and listen to the story each day. The books are older and can be a bit hard to find, but so far each one I've read has been of the best quality. Beth is still plugging along with her kindergarten phonics and math programs. Math is a favorite for all of the kids and is easy to include the little guys in, but reading is turning out to be quite a challenge. The other kids are just so LOUD all the time, and I have a lot of trouble trying to keep her focused long enough to get through a lesson. I'm thinking about either shifting her reading work to during quiet time (when all the kids are in their own rooms) or the evening (when my dh is home to help.)
My little Katy is three months old now....she is just too sweet! She never ever lets us put her down, but she does reward us with little smiles and coos all day long. I feel like I could actually catch up around the house if she would sleep a little better....but it just isn't in the cards! Maybe next year, lol.
Matt wrote his name for the first time this week! A certain Very Bad Mommy threw his paper in the trash, then later had to fish it out from under broken egg shells (ew.) Luckily the part he wrote on was dry, so I cut that out and managed to save it. He also enjoyed painting and several other art activities this week. A few months ago he wouldn't have been interested in any of this. I'm glad to see him sitting for short periods at least now.
Mostly though, he just wants to spend his days outside....having sword fights and getting into all sorts of messes. He plays happily with his sisters all day, but he is mighty excited when the school bus comes at 4pm and drops all the neighborhood boys back off.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Week 2
We are settling into our school routine - if there is such a thing as "routine" with a two year old and two month old in the house anyway. I loved having Matt home for Labor Day. If only every work week was four days with a three day weekend. I think that would make life just about perfect! We grilled out with friends twice this weekend, went swimming at the lake, went to the splash park, and went to an outdoor concert by the CG Band. Basically we just tried to enjoy a last taste of summer! A lot of our summer hangouts closed for the season on Monday, and by the time they reopen next year we will be long gone from Connecticut.
Beth has done about 50 lessons in her McRuffy LA and Math books now (we started last spring, then took the summer off.) She is doing really well. It frustrates me though that she can do perfect work with me sitting beside her, but then when I go to tend to the little ones the whole thing falls apart. I'm not sure if it's lack of focus, just her age, or the fact that she just enjoys me sitting with her, lol. Of course you'd have to have a heck of an attention span to get anything done in this zoo....I know I can barely keep my train of thought most mornings! She is on the verge of reading independently, and I think she will really enjoy being able to do that. She LOVES books, and has since she was a baby. Carrie on the other hand likes to color in her books...or my books...or on the furniture.....I've got to watch that girl!
Beth has done about 50 lessons in her McRuffy LA and Math books now (we started last spring, then took the summer off.) She is doing really well. It frustrates me though that she can do perfect work with me sitting beside her, but then when I go to tend to the little ones the whole thing falls apart. I'm not sure if it's lack of focus, just her age, or the fact that she just enjoys me sitting with her, lol. Of course you'd have to have a heck of an attention span to get anything done in this zoo....I know I can barely keep my train of thought most mornings! She is on the verge of reading independently, and I think she will really enjoy being able to do that. She LOVES books, and has since she was a baby. Carrie on the other hand likes to color in her books...or my books...or on the furniture.....I've got to watch that girl!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kindergarten
Today was Beth's first day of kindergarten. I just can't believe how big she has gotten!
The kids were super excited about their new lunch boxes, even though we ate at home.
My big girl with her new lunch box and tennies
Matt is in pre-k this year.
We started our day with circle time - complete with the pledge, a special song, our memory Bible verse, calendar, and a weather report.
We then moved onto Math and Reading. Beth is using McRuffy this year. Matt has some workbooks I have picked up here and there.
Our FIAR book this week is "Lentil" so we read that and did some related activities.
Matt did a little pattern work....you can tell he did this for like ten seconds before he made a rainbow railroad track, lol. That's my boy!
At some point we went outside to do some swinging and tossed around the football for a while. It was HOT, but the kids still wanted out.
The rest of our morning was spent listening to music and working with some craft materials. The kids loved making these picture frames. I was really surprised that Carrie could do this completely on her own...she's growing up on me!
After lunch we got on the school bus after all. Sort of anyway, lol. We hit up an indoor playplace for a few hours of air conditioned fun.
So that was my Bethie's first day of school! :) I think it went really well, and the kids are excited about starting the school year. Of course tomorrow we may or may not be getting a hurricane. I thought I had left all that mess behind me when we moved to New England!
The kids were super excited about their new lunch boxes, even though we ate at home.
My big girl with her new lunch box and tennies
Matt is in pre-k this year.
We started our day with circle time - complete with the pledge, a special song, our memory Bible verse, calendar, and a weather report.
We then moved onto Math and Reading. Beth is using McRuffy this year. Matt has some workbooks I have picked up here and there.
Our FIAR book this week is "Lentil" so we read that and did some related activities.
Matt did a little pattern work....you can tell he did this for like ten seconds before he made a rainbow railroad track, lol. That's my boy!
At some point we went outside to do some swinging and tossed around the football for a while. It was HOT, but the kids still wanted out.
The rest of our morning was spent listening to music and working with some craft materials. The kids loved making these picture frames. I was really surprised that Carrie could do this completely on her own...she's growing up on me!
After lunch we got on the school bus after all. Sort of anyway, lol. We hit up an indoor playplace for a few hours of air conditioned fun.
So that was my Bethie's first day of school! :) I think it went really well, and the kids are excited about starting the school year. Of course tomorrow we may or may not be getting a hurricane. I thought I had left all that mess behind me when we moved to New England!
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