Update !

Here are a few things to mention that have happened in the last few weeks...



First of all, I posted a while back that Isabelle has to match all of the time... well, she blew that theory (a picture is worth a thousand words)

The other day, she and I were headed home from school and we saw a pretty bad wreck and so I stopped and called the fire department. Well, a few days later we had some major flooding in the area and on our way to school we saw a truck in the ditch. Isabelle said, "Mom pull over you need to call 1-9-9." Well, we need to work a little on her emergency response plan, but at least she has the correct numbers?!?!?!?

Isabelle has learned to tie shoes. I know this does not seem like a huge thing to most parents of 4 year olds, but considering that her almost 7 year old brother can not tie, I am pretty impressed. Plus, she wears nothing but flip-flops so I am not sure why she felt the need to learn, but... Anyway, I have been trying to teach Camon for a while now and he has no interest. So, I thought that this just might be the incentive that he needed. I mean why would you want your 4 year old little sister knowing something that you don't. WRONG!!! Now he just thinks that it is neat because he tells everyone that Isabelle ties his shoes. It does not embarass him at all. As a matter of fact, he sees no need to learn now because she will tie them any time he asks her to.

Camon made me a mother's day card where he answered questions about me. He said his favorite thing I wear is a blue dress with pink flowers??? I do not own such a dress. His favorite thing that I cook is fajitas - which I can not get him to touch when I fix them. His least favorite thing I fix is salad - which I NEVER fix. But, the one thing that proved he was my child was that his favorite thing to do with me was...........MATH??? Clint just rolled his eyes, and said, "What a nerd." I thought it was pretty cool myself. Then on his end of the year journal of memories, he put that math was his favorite subject and that it was also what he looked forward to learning about in 1st grade. I just hope he continues to love it.

This past weekend we were with Mandi and her girls. Now, on my side of the family it is Camon and 4 girls (with another on the way). I feel so sorry for him. Anyway, we were walking and he wanted to hold Isabelle's hand, but she already had Katie and Lacie on each side and so she said, "You can hold momma's hand." He quickly poked his lip out and said, "Darn girls!" You want to get on them for saying something like that, but sometimes to control your laughter you just have to bite your lip. This was one of those times. Poor Camon!

And last of all, one thing that mother's dread most in life. The influence of other kids. You try to train your kids "in the way they should go", but then they get into school and you have no control over what they learn from other kids. Anyway, I picked Camon up from school last week and he said, "Mom, Trae said that this is bad." I looked in the rear view mirror and to my horror he was holding up "the sign" - you know the finger...my 6 year old. I was without words at first but knew that I had to say something. So, I said, "Yes, it is very bad. Please do not ever do that." Then he said, "Well, what does it mean?" Oh NO! So, I said "Well, it means that you do not like someone. Sort of like when you stick your tongue at someone, but MUCH worse. It is not nice at all, and I never want you to do that." So, he said, "Well, what if it is an accident. Like if I am holding something and trying to point and have to use that finger." "Put it down and then point or point with another finger", I said. Then I asked him why they were talking about that anyway, and he said that he was balancing his pencil on that finger, and Trae told him it was bad. He said, "But momma I did not mean to. I did not know that it was bad. I am sorry." I guess that I am thankful that he learned that way rather than someone giving him the finger, or telling him what it meant. It sort of made me proud that my children have been so sheltered. I now just hope that he learned his lesson and will not use it again. I am so not looking forward to the teenage years.

Tee-Ball 2008

Well, T-ball season is over. This was Isabelle's first year (and probably last). It was probably also the only year that Camon and Isabelle will be able to play on the same team. I hate that because my sister and I played ball together for years and have so many memories. But, I do not see Isabelle playing ball with the "boys" and definitely do not see Camon playing with the GIRLS!! This may have been Isabelle's last year anyway. She got hurt twice and we had to beg her to play every game after that. I hope that it is not the end of her career. I grew up loving softball season. But, if her career is over I know that there will be something she will love doing. Here are some pictures from the season. Enjoy!!

Isabelle's Preschool Program and "Prize"

Isabelle had her preschool graduation/program yesterday. Believe it or not, we made it through our first one without crying. She and Camon both are a little timid in front of crowds. But, she did great. Partly because she was promised that if she did not cry, she could get her ears pierced. I guess that worked. I am so proud of her. She sang, did the motions, and all without tears. (I even saw a smile now and then)

With her cousins, Katie and Lacie.

BEFORE.......

So, Afterwards, we went and got her ears pierced. She did great, that is until the machine got stuck on her right ear. Then the tears came. Afterwards, I was telling her that she had to keep them in for 6 weeks and then we would go pick out some different earrings. To which she quickly replied, "NO! I will just keep these." Poor thing she thought that new earrings would mean another piercing. Once I explained to her that she would not have to get them pierced again, she calmed down. She is so proud of them. They make her look so grown!!!!

AFTER....

What will I be when I grow up???

Here was the conversation that I had with Camon and Isabelle yesterday. Let me preface it by telling those of you who do not know, that my 24 year old brother is a Fireman and still lives at home with mom and dad. And let me also add that all 4 of his nieces and especially his nephew (Camon) think he is the coolest uncle.

So, Here goes...

Isabelle asked me what her baby sister was going to be when she grows up. I told her that she could be whatever she wanted to be. She would get to choose. So, then I asked each of them that question... "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Isabelle responded. " I think I will choose to be a momma." How sweet I thought, I hope that you get to be just that!!

Now, Camon's response... "I want to be a fireman because they can walk through fire and not get burned. You know, like Uncle Justin. Then I can just live with you and daddy forever." I had to laugh. Of course I made sure that Justin learned of his nephews admiration for his life choices. To which Justin responded, "He is only six and he has life all figured out." I can not decide if I hope he gets to be just that, or not. Of course a mother never wants her children to leave home, but forever is such a long time....

Then to top is off, Isabelle said "Momma, What do you want to be when you grow up?" I said, "A mommy to three great children." To which she replied, "You are already a mommy, you have to choose something else."

Trying to get back in the swing of things...

It has been a while since I have posted. There are some very good reasons: 1) I am constantly exhausted and growing larger by the day 2) Work has been hectic 3) It is t-ball season 4) The school year is winding down (that means field trips, field day, programs, and kindergarten graduation) 5) My mother-in-law has been in the hospital (just to name a few)

First, the new baby... Things seem to be going great. I really have not been sick, just extremely tired. Part of that comes from having 2 more children that I am trying to keep up with. She is kicking away, although Clint nor the kids have gotten to feel her. Every time I call them when she is kicking, she immediately stops. The doctor says that she is growing great and I will have another ultrasound at the end of May, so we will probably see more how much she has grown. I am about 26 weeks along (seems like I should be further). So far, we have not gotten her room together. I have however gotten some bedding that I will probably be using. I just have to get the room painted. Right now it is "Electric Blue". And yes, it matches it's name. I can only imagine how many coats of paint it will take to cover it up. I am getting really excited about her coming,though. So are the kids. They keep asking now when will it be August?? As you can see "she" is still her name - we have not agreed on a name yet.

Camon will be finishing Kindergarten in June and I can not believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was dropping him off for the first time and crying like a baby. Now, the year is almost over. He has learned so much this year. I look back at pictures and can not believe how much he has changed. In March, he was named "Student of the Month" for the whole kindergarten. What a far cry from that 2nd week when he almost got suspended for beating a kid up. I told Clint maybe he was the most improved from then and that is why they gave it to him. Of course you know men... Clint said, "Well, why did it take them so long to give it to him?" To which I explained that it was an honor, only 9 students the whole year get that honor. And, I told him that the kids before him did not have to prove anything, but Camon has shown them through a whole year how great he is. HA! Of course Clint was kidding. He will have graduation on June 4, and I am sure momma will shed a few more tears. He was recently enrolled in an Accelerated Reading program and can really read very good. I have really enjoyed the teacher that he has this year. She has taught him a lot. Last night, he lost his third tooth. This is the first one that he lost without there being another one already in behind it, so it looks so cute to me when he smiles and has that hole there.

Isabelle, well what can I say. She has not changed a bit. Well, I take that back...she is quite a bit sassier (is that a word???) She and Camon are playing t-ball this year (and Clint is coaching them). She did great the first game, until the last bat. She was running the bases and the other team headed into the dugout. When they did, about 4 of them trampled her. Then the 2nd game, she threw the bat when she was hitting and it came back and hit her elbow. Then for the next 2 games she refused to play, because she did not want to get hurt. I was so sad because she really was a good little ball player. Then her cousins, Katie and Lacie, got their ears pierced and she has been begging to get hers done. So, I told her that if she would play in the rest of her games, she could get them pierced. So, Monday night she went out in the field, put her hands on her knees like a pro, even chased some balls that were hit her way. I was so excited. The inning was over and she came into the dug-out. When it was her turn to hit, she refused. So naturally I told her no earrings. To which she replied, "You said I had to play. You never said I had to hit." Well, technically she was right. Boy is she smart. She has learned a lot in preschool this year, too. She amazes me how much she can do. She can write all her letters, numbers to 10, her first and last name (without help), and any other word she wants simply by asking you the letters. She can count to 30, say her months, knows all basic shapes and colors, and can spell most of her family and friends name. One of her favorite things to do (besides change clothes 20 times a day) is to paint. She got water colors for her birthday and I think she paints everyday. She insists on choosing her own clothes and shoes (and they must match, by the way). So, before Clint irons them at night, I must okay it with her or it will be a fight the next morning - sad isn't it? But, it makes the morning go much smoother. She informed me the other day that when her baby sister got here, she would be choosing her clothes. This could be a nightmare. I got some little silver shoes for the baby the other day and she slept with them and then carried them to school to show her friends. Clint says she has a shoe fetish... Ya think???? She has one whole armoire with nothing but shoes. I think I have created a monster. And, she will be a teenager one day!?!?!?!?!? Each day when she gets in from school, she changes clothes. Usually it is dress-up but not always. The other day she wanted to put on a dressy, expensive dress to go outside a play. I argued with her for about 10 minutes and finally said, "Go to your closet and you can wear any dress that you can reach (I have the nicer stuff on the top rack). So, she left and came walking down the hall in a 2t (she is a 4t) Halloween dress. Clint thought it was funny. He said, "well, you told her any dress." I think she knew it would drive me nuts. But, I kept my word and she went outside showing her panties, wearing an orange and black jack-o-lantern dress (in April). Then yesterday, she returned from her room in a bathing suit (it was about 70 outside). She is something else.

Clint is doing great. He is getting excited about the new baby. He has been designing our addition (although we agreed it would be several years before we built it). He is coaching the kids t-team, teaching the High School Sunday School class at church, and being a super help around the house. I am very fortunate to have him. He does all of the ironing (maybe his friends won't read this), most of the cooking, at least half of the kids bedtime routine, and is the bathroom appliance cleaner. He works four days a week, but I think works harder at home on Mondays. He has gone to an Orthodontist to see about braces and will probably be getting them sometime soon. I am not sure what to think about that. He will look different, but it is something he wants and so I am all for it. He has been helping his brother lay floors in his new house. I am still trying to get him to follow his passion - woodworking, but it is so hard to give up a steady income with 2 kids and another on the way. Maybe one day... Anyway, there is nothing major going on as far as he is concerned. Just being Clint.

And lastly... The tragedy of the past week. Clint's mom, Betty, went into the hospital last Sunday and they found a lemon-sized brain tumor. They removed it last Monday and believe that it is not cancerous (though we are still waiting for the biopsy results). We had a rough week, as her speech was messed up, short term memory was off, and she was out of it most of the time. They did another surgery on Friday to place a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain. That (along with her finally realizing that she was not dying) helped her to make a tremendous turn around. She got out of ICU on Saturday and then went home Monday. She has a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist who come to her house to work with her. They think she is making tremendous progress. I know that hundreds of prayers were and still are being answered. It will still be a long battle, but she is here and so, for that we are thankful. God is so good!

Spring Break

In March, we went to Colorado. Camon had been skiing when he was 2, but not enough to really qualify it as his "first time". This year he kept asking if he could go skiing. So, we decided that we would go visit my aunt on Spring Break and let Camon and Clint spend a day skiing. Isabelle and I stayed at the base of the mountain and took pictures and video. She was a little upset though because she really wanted to ski. I do not think it was the skiing so much as the riding the cool lifts. If I could have skiied, we would have had her on them because I think she is the perfect age right now. I just could not see Clint trying to keep up with both of them. (He had a hard enough time with the one he had- I will share that later) I was pretty jealous. I love to ski and so I wanted to go so bad. But, it was nice to get to see them come down the mountain. Clint is an excellent skier, and so putting Camon in lessons was totally out of the question, until they came down for the first time. Camon thought that he did not need help and would not listen to Clint very well. After one time down, he was ready for hot chocolate and Clint was ready to pay for lessons. However, we decided to take a break and try again later (rather than pay the ridiculous price for lessons). After Camon had some hot chocolate and a pep talk from mom, he was ready to try again. Clint said he was a whole new skiier (and more importantly listener). It is amazing what hot chocolate can do.... Anyway, Isabelle and I left for lunch and when we came back, he looked like a pro. Well, a 6 year old pro anyway. He did so good. And of course did not want to leave. Clint and I have taken MANY ski trips in our marriage and I am always saying that we should give up going skiing EVERY year and take some beach vacations. Well, it looks like Clint now has someone else on his side. When we left that afternoon, I asked Camon, "So, what is more fun the beach or skiing?" To which he replied, "Skiing is much more fun. You can not go fast in the ocean." Typical male response, I guess. So, it looks like we will be taking more ski trips after all.

Oh yea, the keeping up with kids story... When I got back from lunch, Clint was "looking" for Camon. Yes, he had lost my 6 year old, on a ski mountain, DURING SPRING BREAK!!!! They had come down the mountain because Camon needed a potty break. So, as Clint was leaning down to take his skis off, Camon headed on to the bathroom. The problem was that Clint thought that he was standing there waiting. Well, when Clint stood up, he was gone!!!! After I panicked a bit (and of course my calm husband did not) Clint took off towards the bathroom. After what seemed like 30 minutes, I saw this little boy wandering, from the opposite direction of where the bathrooms were (or at least the only ones that Clint and knew about). After I fussed at him for running off, I found out that he had seen a port-a-let right where they had taken their skis off and just assumed that was where Clint was going. Well, Clint had not seen it and so he walked on down to the lodge. The only cute part about it was his comments to me... I told him that I was scared and did not want him to leave our side again without telling one of us. He said, "I know momma. I was scared, too. Because I remember that you always tell me that some other family could take me home and I would never see you again." (at least he listened) And then when I asked him where he had been, he said, "I went to the bathroom. It was just a hole and there was no sink. I had to wash my hands with that liquid soap and no water." Once it was all said and done, I thought that it was pretty amazing that he had been able to take all of the layers of ski clothes off, and then put them back on without help. (I stilll have trouble with this) And, that when he came out, he knew which direction to head to get to the lodge where we were looking for him. But, it is still a feeling that I absolutely hate!!!!

Oh yea! And I got motion/altitude sickness and spent the rest of that night and the entire next day throwing up and sleeping when I could. Sounds like fun, huh??? But, I guess it was all worth it to see the kids have so much fun.

Easter!!!!

This Easter was unique for us. We decided that we would go visit my Aunt Nancy in Colorado. Camon was on Spring Break the following week, and since we would not get much of a Summer vacation (considering I will be 8-9 months pregnant), we would make a vacation out of it. Here are some pictures from Easter: