It is Saturday afternoon and I find myself sitting alone in a very quiet house. That is somewhat unheard of in my life, and it has caused me to pause, and to admit I have a confession. When we moved into this house in Lowe's Farm, there was a young family that lived across the street from us and they had two young boys. Christian was only 11 months old at the time, so not yet able to play with them. Two years ago, the husband lost his job and the new job he found was in Iowa, so off they went. I remember being very sad, that Christian had lost two really good potential playmates and me a friend in their mom.
Well, in comes the new neighbors, and the confession part. An indian family moved in across the street. Two sets of families and the grandparents as well. I noticed pretty quickly that one of the couples had a young son about the same age as Christian. Secretly, I was hoping that Chrisian wouldn't notice, and he didn't for about a year and a half.
As you know, Christian has never met a stranger, so one day he was outside on our side of the street on the sidewalk, and he saw this little boy. He yells across the street, "hey, what's your name"? "Do you want to be my friend"? Then without hesitation he runs across the street to make friends with this boy. Knowing my son, I knew that there was no turning back now.
I was afraid, I felt like a stalker watching him from across the street, pretending to busy myself with landscaping and garage cleaning, when really I was just checking to make sure he was okay at their house. At the time, I didn't know they were Indian, I assumed they were from the middle East somewhere and I just wasn't comfortable with their culture and are they hold any prejudice's with blonde headed, blue eyed, American boys?? Clearly, I was holding some against indians!
So, they had been playing for a few days, when I decided that I better go over and meet the mom. Turns out they relocated from California and she is a CPA and her husband is an engineer. I thought okay that is very normal. I have to admit it took me a while to warm up to the idea of Christian being out of my site and in their care, while at their house. I just knew that Christian was going to ask the men, "why are you wearing a dress, that's for girls". Maybe he has, but noone told me. He sees no color, race or religion, he just wants to play!!
That is why the house is so quiet. He and Eshan have been playing since about noon today, First at our house and now they are across the street. It is just what I had hoped for when moving into this neighborhood that he would make friends with the neighbor kids. As I watched the boys walk across the street, each had an ice cream in their hand, they were carrying on their own conversation and looked so grown up. My son has taught me an old, yet valuable lesson. Don't judge a book by its cover!! Thank you Christian.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Okay Mother
When did I become MOTHER to my children instead of mommy or mama??? Christian lately refers to me as mother and I have to say it is beginning to irritate me. I'm really trying not to react, because if he knows it bugs me, I will forever be mother with a capital "M". I thought I had years before they decided that I was stupid and they didn't like me. He's not even 5, and he's got Miss Muffett saying it too!!
On another note, thank you to all the grandparents that attended Grandparents Day at CU!! I asked Chrisitan who came to see him and he said, "I'll give you a hint, two of them had big bellies and two of them had small ones". I about fell over with laughter. I'm telling you, if you are easily offended, don't have children!!
On another note, thank you to all the grandparents that attended Grandparents Day at CU!! I asked Chrisitan who came to see him and he said, "I'll give you a hint, two of them had big bellies and two of them had small ones". I about fell over with laughter. I'm telling you, if you are easily offended, don't have children!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Daylight Savings Time
Christian didn't get the memo about getting an extra hour sleep this morning. You know how I know????? Because he woke me up at 5:30AM telling me it was morning time. I said, it isn't morning time and he said, "yes it is, and I'm hungry, my tummy's growling". I tried to ignore him, but then I actually heard his tummy growl!! The mommy guilt, got me out of bed and into the kitchen to make pancakes. You can clearly see that he's malnourished!
He loves to help me in the kitchen. This morning he was helping to make the pancakes then accidentally touches the hot pan, now we have a pretty good burn on his pinkie finger, and he doesn't eat any of the pancakes!! He says, he can't eat because his finger hurts!!
Yesterday, I was in Canton trying to find accessories for the new Ranch house annex. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about. My dad purchased a 540 acre hunting ranch about a year ago, that he shares with the family. We are in the process of building a new house on the ranch property and I am in the process of furnishing it. So, fast forward to the shopping trip to Canton yesterday. Let me just say, there is certainly no recession going on in Canton. You couldn't shake a stick at all the people, much less move around. The crap that people buy is astonishing!! I mean long lines, 30 people deep, to purchase a Christmas yard stick. Amazing!! Anyway, we did find some pretty neat things for the ranch. I should have the house ready by Thanksgiving, so I will post some pictures then.
He loves to help me in the kitchen. This morning he was helping to make the pancakes then accidentally touches the hot pan, now we have a pretty good burn on his pinkie finger, and he doesn't eat any of the pancakes!! He says, he can't eat because his finger hurts!!
Yesterday, I was in Canton trying to find accessories for the new Ranch house annex. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about. My dad purchased a 540 acre hunting ranch about a year ago, that he shares with the family. We are in the process of building a new house on the ranch property and I am in the process of furnishing it. So, fast forward to the shopping trip to Canton yesterday. Let me just say, there is certainly no recession going on in Canton. You couldn't shake a stick at all the people, much less move around. The crap that people buy is astonishing!! I mean long lines, 30 people deep, to purchase a Christmas yard stick. Amazing!! Anyway, we did find some pretty neat things for the ranch. I should have the house ready by Thanksgiving, so I will post some pictures then.
Trick or Treat
Double, double, toil and trouble....
Fires burn and caldrons bubble...
Calling all Power Rangers and Tinkerbells....
It's time to trick or treat.
Fires burn and caldrons bubble...
Calling all Power Rangers and Tinkerbells....
It's time to trick or treat.
Caroline would say, "do you have candy" then hold our her bag.
They trick or treated a couple of houses together and then Christian hooked up with Gabe and Eshan and they were off. Randy and Gary went with the boys, and Gaby, Mandy and I went with Caroline. We didn't see the boys again for an hour and a half. They came in the house dragging their bags, because they were so heavy.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tinkerbell
Miss Muffett had her Halloween party at school today. She is getting to be such a big girl. I must say watching other two year olds interact with their parents really gives me a lot of appreciation for Miss Muffett. She's really pretty good!!
Donuts, sausage rolls, fruit and candy, oh my!!! All at 9:30 AM!! Poor Ms. Botello had to take out her frustrations on the pinata!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halloween Candy is the Devil
Stop the madness!!! I really need Friday to come, because my thighs cannot take all the Halloween candy laying around the house!! Clearly, I have no will power. Despite spin classes at 5:15 AM three days a week, I still have yet to shed the last 50 lbs. of pre-marriage, pre-baby, post baby, running out of excuses weight!!! Thank goodness for my girlfriends Codie and Gretchen that faithfully show up on Monday, Wednesday's and Friday's to endure pure torture at the ungodly hour of 5:15AM!!! I have to say I'm glad tomorrow is a Thursday!!
Super hero's, of course. The boys said they needed these costumes, so they could run fast and chase girls. Oh, I fear the teenage years!!
Tonight in the bathtub, that's where Christian gives me all his best stuff, he say's, "Why is Dad an Aggie, we should be Longhorn's because the Aggie's never win". Truth hurts!! I explained that Pop Schlieker is an Aggie, and Daddy's grandfather was an Aggie. Unfortunately, neither Christian, nor I, had the pleasure of meeting Mr. William Moore, Randy's grandfather. He passed on before Randy and I met. I wish I had known him, because Randy always speaks so fondly of him and he obviously has great memories of his time spent with his Grandfather as he grew up.
Speaking of grandparents, I'd like to give a shout out to Pop Schlieker and Grand Mary, Grandma and Grandpa Trando, and Pop and Mimi McCaslin. Randy and I attended Christian's Halloween party at school today, and earlier this year each set of grandparents were sent a letter from Christian and asked to reply to Mrs. Powell's class about their lives. The letter asked them specific questions about where they live, what they do for a living, hobbies, etc. Randy and I read the letters today for the first time and we were so pleased that each set of grandparents took the time to respond. I'm sure Christian was ticked pink when the letters were read to the class.
I am the room mom for Christian's class again this year. We made a skeleton craft out of dried beans and pasta, ate pizza, and had a pinata. No surprise, Christian nailed the pinata!!
He's so serious, isn't he?? I asked the kids to line up behind me to take turns hitting the pinata. When I turned around, Christian was second in line. I told the other kids, better get your bags ready!! Anyway, Christian has a new BEST friend this year, Eric Higgins. He is a very sweet boy, and turns out his parents are Aggies!! I swear, they just find each other, it's like a private club with a secret password or something. Anyway, here's the dynamic duo.
Super hero's, of course. The boys said they needed these costumes, so they could run fast and chase girls. Oh, I fear the teenage years!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Strike II
It's a Monday!!! Who would know from this little picture that on the way out the door for school this morning we had Strike II of the vomit brigade!! Yes, this time it was Christian's turn. However, once he got it out of his system, he was good to go. We needed a little craft time this afternoon to break up the "mom, I'm couped up in the house all day" drama, so we created pirate pumpkins!! Notice that Christian wrote his own name on his. This is big for him, until recently he couldn't write any legible letters.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin has invaded!!! The Lowe's Farm annual Fall Festival was tonight. The festival has a petting farm, pony rides, bounce houses, balloon artist and yes a face painter. The only thing of real interest to Christian was to have his face painted like the Green Goblin. Yes, friends that means the whole face. He waited in line for an hour and this was the result.
Halloween Party
Halloween Party
Last night we had the 4th Annual Schlieker kids costume party at our house. Randy and I started throwing this shindig 4 years ago when Christian was a mere 1 year old and Caroline wasn't even a real thought!! It has grown substanially in attendance, as both kids have their own friends now.
We are SO LUCKY that our kids have good friends with GREAT parents!!! We probably had 60 people at our house last night and it was so much fun!!! Christian asked me this morning if all of his friends kept our address, so they can come again today!!
Remember in an earlier blog that I told you about Caroline's "come here and give me a kiss baby" story??? Well, the object of her affection was here last night, Truett.
As usual I was being the hostest with the mostest, so I have very few pictures. However, Christine Graygor is coming to the rescue with a download of all her pictures from the evening. Tune into the blog in a few days for the full Halloween Party experience.
As you can tell, Caroline was Tinkerbell and Christian was Peter Pan to start with and ended up a red power ranger. The reason for the change is that Peter Pan couldn't keep his sword in his belt, so he got it taken away within the first 30 minutes of the party. He said since he couldn't have his sword he wanted to change into his Power Ranger costume. Also, Will came in as Incredible Hulk and then changed as well into a power ranger. Will, Christian and their good buddy Eric all were power rangers!!
Last night we had the 4th Annual Schlieker kids costume party at our house. Randy and I started throwing this shindig 4 years ago when Christian was a mere 1 year old and Caroline wasn't even a real thought!! It has grown substanially in attendance, as both kids have their own friends now.
We are SO LUCKY that our kids have good friends with GREAT parents!!! We probably had 60 people at our house last night and it was so much fun!!! Christian asked me this morning if all of his friends kept our address, so they can come again today!!
Remember in an earlier blog that I told you about Caroline's "come here and give me a kiss baby" story??? Well, the object of her affection was here last night, Truett.
As usual I was being the hostest with the mostest, so I have very few pictures. However, Christine Graygor is coming to the rescue with a download of all her pictures from the evening. Tune into the blog in a few days for the full Halloween Party experience.
As you can tell, Caroline was Tinkerbell and Christian was Peter Pan to start with and ended up a red power ranger. The reason for the change is that Peter Pan couldn't keep his sword in his belt, so he got it taken away within the first 30 minutes of the party. He said since he couldn't have his sword he wanted to change into his Power Ranger costume. Also, Will came in as Incredible Hulk and then changed as well into a power ranger. Will, Christian and their good buddy Eric all were power rangers!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Crazy Week
This week has been a rough one!! It started out just like any other week, with a T-ball game on Monday night. Christian has three great hits, jacks around with his friends instead of playing the outfield, snacks, bath, bed. Normal, completely.
Then, Tuesday comes. Randy leaves for New York to work on a project. The kids go to school, I go to work, all is well in our world. Tuesday afternoon, Christian has a follow up appointment with the Gastroenterologist (sp??), otherwise known to Christian as the poop doctor. I could have predicted what he would say even before we went, but instead, I drag both Christian and Caroline to a long drawn out appointment for the poop doctor to tell me to stay the course, increase his laxative, and he will eventually get it. I believe his exact words were, "I've never seen this fail". Clearly, he is not familiar with the saying, "never say never". Anyway, I hand over my credit card to pay for that very sound advice and trudge forward with our day.
Children's University was having a fundraiser at Cici's Pizza Tuesday night, so Christian wanted to go there for dinner. We went, we ate, visited with several classmates families, head home, bath, books, bed .........Midnight Vomit!!!
Oh yes, Miss Muffett vomited every 30 minutes until 4AM!! I used every towel in her bathroom, changed her sheets and pajamas 4 times. She and I finally fell asleep around 4:30 AM.
Good morning, it's 6:30AM Wednesday morning. Christian has pictures at school this morning, so we have to get going!! Yeah!! However, Christian's new laxative has kicked in!!! I am nearly knocked down by the smell in his room when I go to get him up. Detour to the shower. Everything and everyone stinks!! Job application anyone???
The morning is going pretty good considering all that has transpired in the last 12 hours, up until the point that Christian realizes that #1 he is going to school, but Caroline isn't, and #2 he has to wear picture clothes!! My Lord, you would have thought his world had come to an absolute end. We get him to school on time, despite the protest. Caroline lays around and watches Wiggles pretty much all day, except for a very nice 3 hour nap. Unfortunately, mommy isn't so lucky in the nap department!! Caroline never got sick again, and Christian and I seem to be fine, so perhaps she just had some food that didn't agree with her. Anyway, I was doing fine until I hit the wall about 6:30 PM. I was so tired that I made them both go to bed at 7:30PM. I was asleep by 8:00. Randy called sometime after that, and I'm sure I sounded completely incoherent, because I was!!! Randy was supposed to come home Thursday, but he's got a problem on the project and has to stay until it is finished. He sounds very frustrated and tired.
Thursday morning, everyone is well and rested!! The first cold front of the season rolled into town overnight and it is a crisp cool morning. I love this time of year. After school we went to the pumpkin patch, pictures to follow this entry. Just a quick note about Caroline's dress. She protested wearing that dress like you cannot believe this morning, but as any good fashion conscious mommy would do, I made her wear it knowing that it would be cute for the pumpkin patch pictures, and it is!!
Tonight, after I was finished reading to Caroline, she said, "Daddy on a trip?" and I said, "yes". She said "I love him". We all do honey, come home when you can!
Then, Tuesday comes. Randy leaves for New York to work on a project. The kids go to school, I go to work, all is well in our world. Tuesday afternoon, Christian has a follow up appointment with the Gastroenterologist (sp??), otherwise known to Christian as the poop doctor. I could have predicted what he would say even before we went, but instead, I drag both Christian and Caroline to a long drawn out appointment for the poop doctor to tell me to stay the course, increase his laxative, and he will eventually get it. I believe his exact words were, "I've never seen this fail". Clearly, he is not familiar with the saying, "never say never". Anyway, I hand over my credit card to pay for that very sound advice and trudge forward with our day.
Children's University was having a fundraiser at Cici's Pizza Tuesday night, so Christian wanted to go there for dinner. We went, we ate, visited with several classmates families, head home, bath, books, bed .........Midnight Vomit!!!
Oh yes, Miss Muffett vomited every 30 minutes until 4AM!! I used every towel in her bathroom, changed her sheets and pajamas 4 times. She and I finally fell asleep around 4:30 AM.
Good morning, it's 6:30AM Wednesday morning. Christian has pictures at school this morning, so we have to get going!! Yeah!! However, Christian's new laxative has kicked in!!! I am nearly knocked down by the smell in his room when I go to get him up. Detour to the shower. Everything and everyone stinks!! Job application anyone???
The morning is going pretty good considering all that has transpired in the last 12 hours, up until the point that Christian realizes that #1 he is going to school, but Caroline isn't, and #2 he has to wear picture clothes!! My Lord, you would have thought his world had come to an absolute end. We get him to school on time, despite the protest. Caroline lays around and watches Wiggles pretty much all day, except for a very nice 3 hour nap. Unfortunately, mommy isn't so lucky in the nap department!! Caroline never got sick again, and Christian and I seem to be fine, so perhaps she just had some food that didn't agree with her. Anyway, I was doing fine until I hit the wall about 6:30 PM. I was so tired that I made them both go to bed at 7:30PM. I was asleep by 8:00. Randy called sometime after that, and I'm sure I sounded completely incoherent, because I was!!! Randy was supposed to come home Thursday, but he's got a problem on the project and has to stay until it is finished. He sounds very frustrated and tired.
Thursday morning, everyone is well and rested!! The first cold front of the season rolled into town overnight and it is a crisp cool morning. I love this time of year. After school we went to the pumpkin patch, pictures to follow this entry. Just a quick note about Caroline's dress. She protested wearing that dress like you cannot believe this morning, but as any good fashion conscious mommy would do, I made her wear it knowing that it would be cute for the pumpkin patch pictures, and it is!!
Tonight, after I was finished reading to Caroline, she said, "Daddy on a trip?" and I said, "yes". She said "I love him". We all do honey, come home when you can!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tailgate Party
It's football season and that means we load up the motorhome and head down to College Station to watch the Aggies get their butt's kicked!!! It is a beautiful thing each Fall season. After Randy wipes away his tears and yells at the Aggies for playing like girls, we have a really great time!! It's something of a tradition. I'm not really sure what we would do if we actually won a game.
Anyway, this tailgate party brought with it more fun than ever!! Our tailgating neighbors were from the Houston area, a small town called Alvin. Their son, Jesse, is a fish in the Corps of Cadets and also plays in the band. For those of you not very familiar with ATM, the Corps and the band is a REALLY big deal. Jimmy and Kelly, Jesse's parents, were just great!!
After the game we had a pretty big crowd. Our friends, Chris and Christine Graygor and their son Will came by for fajitas and margaritas. Jesse and about five of his corps. buddies came as well. The aggies played football and soccer with Christian and Will and everyone had a great time. The pictures that follow this blog entry are of all the boys playing. If I had been more on top of it, I would have taken some pictures of the rest of us tailgating, but I was just having too much fun!!
Christian and Will have been friends since they were babies. The first time we met the Graygor's the boys were still in their infant carriers. Will turns 5 in November and Christian in January. They look a lot alike and fight and play like brothers. It is a beautiful thing!! Thirteen years flashed before my eyes, knowing that in just that amount of time we will be Jesse's parents and Christian will be bringing over all his buddies after the game to be fed. Randy and I think that will be so FUN!!! Go Aggies!! Whoop!!
Anyway, this tailgate party brought with it more fun than ever!! Our tailgating neighbors were from the Houston area, a small town called Alvin. Their son, Jesse, is a fish in the Corps of Cadets and also plays in the band. For those of you not very familiar with ATM, the Corps and the band is a REALLY big deal. Jimmy and Kelly, Jesse's parents, were just great!!
After the game we had a pretty big crowd. Our friends, Chris and Christine Graygor and their son Will came by for fajitas and margaritas. Jesse and about five of his corps. buddies came as well. The aggies played football and soccer with Christian and Will and everyone had a great time. The pictures that follow this blog entry are of all the boys playing. If I had been more on top of it, I would have taken some pictures of the rest of us tailgating, but I was just having too much fun!!
Christian and Will have been friends since they were babies. The first time we met the Graygor's the boys were still in their infant carriers. Will turns 5 in November and Christian in January. They look a lot alike and fight and play like brothers. It is a beautiful thing!! Thirteen years flashed before my eyes, knowing that in just that amount of time we will be Jesse's parents and Christian will be bringing over all his buddies after the game to be fed. Randy and I think that will be so FUN!!! Go Aggies!! Whoop!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Long time no Talk
Hello everyone, yes we are still here, but as my brother pointed out, I have delinquent in my blogging!! I honestly didn't realize that it has been a month since my last post. Oh, where to begin......
Life with Christian: He told Randy that he is going to marry Caroline. Randy tried to explain that you don't marry your sister, but you will meet another pretty girl and marry her. Christian said, "oh, like Jack's mom"!! This is the second time that Christian has expressed his crush on "Jack's mom, Gretchen". I just have to say he enjoys a brunette and has very good taste! He is really enjoying his new class and teacher at CU. Mrs. Powell has been fabulous for him. He has a new friend, Eric, and he must do everything that Eric does. In fact, I was just informed that Christian, Eric and Will are all going to be power rangers for Halloween at school, so they can chase and scare the girls!! T-ball is in full swing, and he loves it. He's playing with Will, Preston and Julie from our summer team.
Life with Caroline: I just thought Christian was going to be my challenge child, but I just had no idea what Miss Muffett had in store for us. She is so bossy, and boy does she know how to work her daddy. One day recently, Christian was being sent to timeout for not listening and she looks up at Randy, bats her pretty blue eyes and say's "I listening Daddy". There are two cutie pie little boys in her class, Lincoln and Truett. She likes their attention, so she says "come here and give me a kiss baby". She's 2, barely!!!!
Life with Randy: He's back to traveling quite a bit. Ohio, seems to be the destination lately. He's missing coaching a lot, so looks like we might try and reassemble our summer team for the spring season. He's so patient with the kids and we had a great group of kids and parents, and that combination is REALLY hard to find.
My life: I've been really busy at work trying to get a zoning case approved and rolling into a new limited partnership. Our zoning was approved, so we can check that one off the list. I'm attaching a link to my new website. If you've ever wondered what I do all day, this should give you a pretty good idea of what keeps me busy, outside C&C of course. http://www.mrdevelopment.net/
I've had no time for scrapbooking, so looks like I may be going digital with my hobby from now on. I'm hoping Santa will bring me a very large computer screen for my scrapbook room, so my almost 40 year old eyes can see my pictures better!! Stay tuned for scrapbooks online!
That's it in a nutshell kids. Talk soon.
Life with Christian: He told Randy that he is going to marry Caroline. Randy tried to explain that you don't marry your sister, but you will meet another pretty girl and marry her. Christian said, "oh, like Jack's mom"!! This is the second time that Christian has expressed his crush on "Jack's mom, Gretchen". I just have to say he enjoys a brunette and has very good taste! He is really enjoying his new class and teacher at CU. Mrs. Powell has been fabulous for him. He has a new friend, Eric, and he must do everything that Eric does. In fact, I was just informed that Christian, Eric and Will are all going to be power rangers for Halloween at school, so they can chase and scare the girls!! T-ball is in full swing, and he loves it. He's playing with Will, Preston and Julie from our summer team.
Life with Caroline: I just thought Christian was going to be my challenge child, but I just had no idea what Miss Muffett had in store for us. She is so bossy, and boy does she know how to work her daddy. One day recently, Christian was being sent to timeout for not listening and she looks up at Randy, bats her pretty blue eyes and say's "I listening Daddy". There are two cutie pie little boys in her class, Lincoln and Truett. She likes their attention, so she says "come here and give me a kiss baby". She's 2, barely!!!!
Life with Randy: He's back to traveling quite a bit. Ohio, seems to be the destination lately. He's missing coaching a lot, so looks like we might try and reassemble our summer team for the spring season. He's so patient with the kids and we had a great group of kids and parents, and that combination is REALLY hard to find.
My life: I've been really busy at work trying to get a zoning case approved and rolling into a new limited partnership. Our zoning was approved, so we can check that one off the list. I'm attaching a link to my new website. If you've ever wondered what I do all day, this should give you a pretty good idea of what keeps me busy, outside C&C of course. http://www.mrdevelopment.net/
I've had no time for scrapbooking, so looks like I may be going digital with my hobby from now on. I'm hoping Santa will bring me a very large computer screen for my scrapbook room, so my almost 40 year old eyes can see my pictures better!! Stay tuned for scrapbooks online!
That's it in a nutshell kids. Talk soon.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Daily Grind!
Well, this is the end of our second week of the new school year. Christian is just doing great in Mrs. Powell's class. She's a no nonsense kind of teacher, and I think that is good for him. His potty issues have improved since entering her class, so as far as I'm concerned he could hang by the chandelier all day, as long as he makes it to the potty!! Miss Muffett is in Ms. Botello's class, otherwise known as babysitter extraordinaire!
My girl enjoys a routine, so every morning we get to school and she hangs up her backpack, goes into the potty and takes care of business, washes her hands. She then goes in to Ms. Botello gives her a hug and says, "I ready, Tello". Caroline loves her and that makes me one happy mama!! Caroline is also giving her brother a run for his money in the potty department. She is just doing FABULOUS!!! Clearly, God knew I needed an easy one, and he gave me one. I told my mom, that I guess this is how it typically goes, but I just had never experienced it with my big guy!!
I will leave you tonight with one funny from Mr. Christian. This morning he said he was cold in his short pajamas. He also was questioning why daddy only sleeps in his underwear. He said, "he must not get cold because he has long fur and I only have short fur"!!
My girl enjoys a routine, so every morning we get to school and she hangs up her backpack, goes into the potty and takes care of business, washes her hands. She then goes in to Ms. Botello gives her a hug and says, "I ready, Tello". Caroline loves her and that makes me one happy mama!! Caroline is also giving her brother a run for his money in the potty department. She is just doing FABULOUS!!! Clearly, God knew I needed an easy one, and he gave me one. I told my mom, that I guess this is how it typically goes, but I just had never experienced it with my big guy!!
I will leave you tonight with one funny from Mr. Christian. This morning he said he was cold in his short pajamas. He also was questioning why daddy only sleeps in his underwear. He said, "he must not get cold because he has long fur and I only have short fur"!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Caroline in big girl panties!
Today was a big day in our house, everyone went to school in underwear!!!! Christian could take a lesson from his sister, because she stayed dry ALL DAY!!!!! at school. Tonight, we had a few accidents but also a few successes. She is trying and we are so happy!!! I feel gun shy even writing this because of our challenges with Christian in this department, but hey, I'll take every bit of clean pants I can get!! Yippee!!!
I want to give a big thank you to Caroline's teacher Mrs. Campbell. I talked to her about trying to get Caroline trained and she said, "if you're ready, I'm ready". I just love that, let's get it done attitude. Caroline will be leaving Mrs. Campbell and Primrose in 6 more days. We will miss all of her teachers, and the entire Primrose staff as they have been wonderful to Caroline, and Chrsitian before her.
I want to give a big thank you to Caroline's teacher Mrs. Campbell. I talked to her about trying to get Caroline trained and she said, "if you're ready, I'm ready". I just love that, let's get it done attitude. Caroline will be leaving Mrs. Campbell and Primrose in 6 more days. We will miss all of her teachers, and the entire Primrose staff as they have been wonderful to Caroline, and Chrsitian before her.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Mom, don't forget about my penis!
We were sitting at the dinner table having some conversation and praising Christian for telling me that he needed to go poop and tee-tee BEFORE he had an accident!!! As many of you know this has been a point of contension for WAY to long to think about, and that kind of announcement from Christian gets as much attention as a tornado siren going off alerting us that within seconds our house is going to be blown away!!
Anyway, I failed to praise him for the tee-tee part of the above story to which he announces to everyone, "mom, don't forget about my penis". I just about choked on my food from laughing hysterically and I did mention that I am only 5 days out from a hysterectomy, it hurts to laugh that hard. He wants all the praise that is due him, believe me!! Then, Randy tells him that he needs to be careful what he says because that kind of stuff makes the blog these days!! I swear, you just can't make this stuff up!
Anyway, I failed to praise him for the tee-tee part of the above story to which he announces to everyone, "mom, don't forget about my penis". I just about choked on my food from laughing hysterically and I did mention that I am only 5 days out from a hysterectomy, it hurts to laugh that hard. He wants all the praise that is due him, believe me!! Then, Randy tells him that he needs to be careful what he says because that kind of stuff makes the blog these days!! I swear, you just can't make this stuff up!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Dog days of Summer
What do you do with a 2 year old and a 4 year old on a 107 degree red ozone day?????
You go to the indoor soft play area at the Park's mall. Yes, it is germ city, and yes, the people can be somewhat scary, but not as scary as I can be when my kids have been couped up for an entire weekend with no outdoor play!!!! We washed our hands three times and before we could even think about eating lunch, Caroline had to ride the ponies!!
Christian is the best big brother ever!! He protects his sister like she is the crown jewel. He elbows other kids when they are pushing her out of the way and tells them NO, that's my sister!!! Then he helps Caroline up and says "are you okay big girlie?? Brother will help you." I just love that about him.
You go to the indoor soft play area at the Park's mall. Yes, it is germ city, and yes, the people can be somewhat scary, but not as scary as I can be when my kids have been couped up for an entire weekend with no outdoor play!!!! We washed our hands three times and before we could even think about eating lunch, Caroline had to ride the ponies!!
Christian is the best big brother ever!! He protects his sister like she is the crown jewel. He elbows other kids when they are pushing her out of the way and tells them NO, that's my sister!!! Then he helps Caroline up and says "are you okay big girlie?? Brother will help you." I just love that about him.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Updates...
Hello all, I've been a bit delinquent at updating my blog, but I got an email today from my best friend from High School Amber Mette and I was her inspiration for starting her own family blog, so I thought I need to get with it and update mine. Okay first things fist, kid'isms...
Christian asked me the other day when I picked him up from school if I worked really hard today to put some money in his wallet???? I have a feeling this is just the first of many such comments.
The kids are in Temple this week with their grandparents while I am at home recovering from a partial hysterectomy. So, they called last night to check on me and Caroline said, "mama, you don't feel good? I have cupcake it make you feel better". Just imagine her saying that in her sweetest little girl voice and you might just be able to imagine how sweet that was.
On the hysterectomy front, it's not that bad. Randy is trying to be a good nurse and errand boy. He made me homemade chicken noodle soup last night and it was yummy!! Thanks honey. The most kuddo's goes to my mom, who stayed with me at the hospital Monday night. I think I looked pretty pathetic and helpless. You all know, I don't do helpless very well. I had a catheter for the first time, which by the way, I don't reccommend at all, and I was hooked up to every wire imagineable. My mom nursed me back to health and boy did I need it. Thanks Mom, I love You.
Christian asked me the other day when I picked him up from school if I worked really hard today to put some money in his wallet???? I have a feeling this is just the first of many such comments.
The kids are in Temple this week with their grandparents while I am at home recovering from a partial hysterectomy. So, they called last night to check on me and Caroline said, "mama, you don't feel good? I have cupcake it make you feel better". Just imagine her saying that in her sweetest little girl voice and you might just be able to imagine how sweet that was.
On the hysterectomy front, it's not that bad. Randy is trying to be a good nurse and errand boy. He made me homemade chicken noodle soup last night and it was yummy!! Thanks honey. The most kuddo's goes to my mom, who stayed with me at the hospital Monday night. I think I looked pretty pathetic and helpless. You all know, I don't do helpless very well. I had a catheter for the first time, which by the way, I don't reccommend at all, and I was hooked up to every wire imagineable. My mom nursed me back to health and boy did I need it. Thanks Mom, I love You.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Oh Happy Day!!
Christian is so happy today that he could just bust!!! Today is the first official day of beating his cow's milk allergy!!! It has been a long road of allergy confusion, but in the end after 4.5 years he has outgrown this allergy, but has picked up some new ones. Most noteably, he now has an allergy to SOY, yes my friends that would be the exact product that we were giving him as a substitute for milk!! This is why he was still presenting symptoms of the egg and milk allergy, because he was having very healthy doses of soy, in milk, cheese, mac-n-cheese, ice cream, you name it, if it came in a soy variety we have tried it. He now also has an allergy to peanuts, wheat, corn, and walnuts. He also still has a very slight allergy to eggs, but it has reduced considerably. All of his allergies fall within the very minimal category, so we don't have to make any major dietary changes.
Christian went with me to the grocery store today and we needed to buy some milk. He wanted a gallon for him and a gallon for Caroline. He is so excited!!! So funny, this morning we went by Starbucks and I got him a hot chocolate. Always before I would order him a kids soy/vanilla hot chocolate with no whip cream. Well today, I just ordered a regular kids hot chocolate. When he got the cup he looked through the hole in the lid and said that's not hot chocolate. He saw the whip cream and thought they had given him the wrong thing. I explained and said, just taste it, it's good. He did, and you would have thought that boy had died and gone to heaven. Oh, to remember the first time I tried whipped cream!!!
The picture below is his first "real" ice cream cone!! He's hooked now, there's no going back!
Christian went with me to the grocery store today and we needed to buy some milk. He wanted a gallon for him and a gallon for Caroline. He is so excited!!! So funny, this morning we went by Starbucks and I got him a hot chocolate. Always before I would order him a kids soy/vanilla hot chocolate with no whip cream. Well today, I just ordered a regular kids hot chocolate. When he got the cup he looked through the hole in the lid and said that's not hot chocolate. He saw the whip cream and thought they had given him the wrong thing. I explained and said, just taste it, it's good. He did, and you would have thought that boy had died and gone to heaven. Oh, to remember the first time I tried whipped cream!!!
The picture below is his first "real" ice cream cone!! He's hooked now, there's no going back!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hyatt Lost Pines
Randy and I decided to take 3 short vacations this summer instead of one long one like we did last year. This has worked out much better. I failed to blog our first trip to the Yogi Bear RV resort which was great. Yes, I admit it we have a motorhome and I must say the kids love it and I love it for the ease of travel with them. No seatbelts, handy refrigerator, multiple tv's for no argument over which movie to watch, and best of all your own bathroom!! When I was a kid we had a travel trailer and I absolutely hated it, but fast forward 30 years and wholla, I have a home on wheels as well. Never say never.
Anyway, the second short vacation this summer was to The Hyatt Lost Pines resort in Bastrop, Texas, just outside Austin. This place is FABULOUS, it has a beach, lazy river, tons of organized activities, a kids camp, horseback riding, face painting, smores every night, a playground, and since we were there on the 4th of July weekend a spectacular fireworks show. Our suite was huge and the kids had an adjoining room.
We were supposed to stay three nights, but Randy had a little accident on our last evening, so we had to come home right away. Christian was playing on the playground and was about to fall, so Randy leaped to catch him and caught the playground equiptment instead with his mouth and cut one of his teeth in half and sheered it up into his gums. Not pretty and really painful, we had to get him to a dentist right away. Needless to say, Christian bounced and all was fine with him, but not so much for Randy. We got him into the dentist the next afternoon and he has a temporary tooth for now.
I'm a little limited on pictures because I had been remiss in taking pictures the first two days and was going to take a bunch our last night, but then the accident happened and that was the end of the pictures. They had the coolest hill that the kids could lay down on the grass and roll down. I really wanted pictures of that, but it will have to wait until next year. This place is a must go every summer.
Anyway, the second short vacation this summer was to The Hyatt Lost Pines resort in Bastrop, Texas, just outside Austin. This place is FABULOUS, it has a beach, lazy river, tons of organized activities, a kids camp, horseback riding, face painting, smores every night, a playground, and since we were there on the 4th of July weekend a spectacular fireworks show. Our suite was huge and the kids had an adjoining room.
We were supposed to stay three nights, but Randy had a little accident on our last evening, so we had to come home right away. Christian was playing on the playground and was about to fall, so Randy leaped to catch him and caught the playground equiptment instead with his mouth and cut one of his teeth in half and sheered it up into his gums. Not pretty and really painful, we had to get him to a dentist right away. Needless to say, Christian bounced and all was fine with him, but not so much for Randy. We got him into the dentist the next afternoon and he has a temporary tooth for now.
I'm a little limited on pictures because I had been remiss in taking pictures the first two days and was going to take a bunch our last night, but then the accident happened and that was the end of the pictures. They had the coolest hill that the kids could lay down on the grass and roll down. I really wanted pictures of that, but it will have to wait until next year. This place is a must go every summer.
Go, Horn Frogs!
Monday, was Christian's first t-ball game, and Randy graciously volunteered to coach 10 four year old boys and 2 four year old girls!! How do you ask did that happen...... Well, we signed up through the YMCA and then we get an email from the sports department that Christian is on a team, but we don't have a coach, and the email is just an arm twisting asking some poor dad to step up. Well, we wait around like all the other parents hoping that someone will volunteer and nothing happens. Then I twist Randy's arm into coaching and thus the craziness begins!!
His team is the horn frogs, much to Randy's dismay. He is a trooper though, be even bought two purple shirts. Correction, I buy him two purple shirts, as I have somehow become the team mom/secretary/snack provider/everything that Randy isn't doing. Our first two practices went great. Randy had every kid listening to him and following directions, I was so impressed. We should have such control over our own kids. Christian was even following his dad's lead, he was a great helper setting up practice, and he didn't poop in his pants once. Victory!!! I thought this is really going well.
Then came Monday's game.....utter chaos! The kids were everywhere, noone was listening or following directions, and they had no clue what to do with the ball once they got it. It was 101 degrees with 80% humidity, not ideal at best. Poor Randy wanted to quit. It was a good learning experience for all. Saturday's practice should be better. Good job honey, I think you are doing a great job!!!
His team is the horn frogs, much to Randy's dismay. He is a trooper though, be even bought two purple shirts. Correction, I buy him two purple shirts, as I have somehow become the team mom/secretary/snack provider/everything that Randy isn't doing. Our first two practices went great. Randy had every kid listening to him and following directions, I was so impressed. We should have such control over our own kids. Christian was even following his dad's lead, he was a great helper setting up practice, and he didn't poop in his pants once. Victory!!! I thought this is really going well.
Then came Monday's game.....utter chaos! The kids were everywhere, noone was listening or following directions, and they had no clue what to do with the ball once they got it. It was 101 degrees with 80% humidity, not ideal at best. Poor Randy wanted to quit. It was a good learning experience for all. Saturday's practice should be better. Good job honey, I think you are doing a great job!!!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Out of the mouths of babes, or 4 year old boys!
Christian either has nothing to say, but plenty to whine about on the way home from school or he is just a chatter box about the happenings of the day. Today, started out with a whine but ended up with a bang. He says, ever so innocently looking at his hands, "my hands are crackin'", I said "what do you mean", he says "like when you get old, I said "oh, I don't want to get old crackin' hands, and he says you have to like Pop Schlieker"! Sorry, R. H. but I had to print that one.
Then we get to the office, and he sees a picture of me and my Dad on my wedding day. He says, mom is that you and Pop? I said yes, on my wedding day, he say's but I thought you married Dad.
I saved the best for last. I had the TV on the other day, and a Victoria's Secret commercial came on. Christian stopped in his tracks, watched the whole thing then turned to me and said, "I want a mama like that"!! I replied, that's whole other kind of mama! Check your ego at the door my friends, because kids just tell it like it is.
Then we get to the office, and he sees a picture of me and my Dad on my wedding day. He says, mom is that you and Pop? I said yes, on my wedding day, he say's but I thought you married Dad.
I saved the best for last. I had the TV on the other day, and a Victoria's Secret commercial came on. Christian stopped in his tracks, watched the whole thing then turned to me and said, "I want a mama like that"!! I replied, that's whole other kind of mama! Check your ego at the door my friends, because kids just tell it like it is.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Vacation Bible School
Oh, you just have to love children!!! Christian is in VBS this week and I decided, in my infinate wisdom, to take the week off from work, volunteer during VBS and then spend the afternoon's with my sweet, loving, charming little man. I have to say I was very proud of Christian. I hid out and watched him from afar to see how he would interact with the other children and respond to his teachers requests. He listened, followed directions and he didn't tackle even one child!!! Victory!!!
This year in VBS the boys teamed up against the girls to raise $3,200 which will provide an african boy and girl one year worth of food, water, clothing and education. Each day the children gathered up as much loose change as they could find and placed their "offering" in the appropriate gender bucket. Christian was determined that the boys should win. He emptied both my wallet and Randy's, ash trays in the cars, his own piggy bank and even hit up the housekeeper for money. If you want to get him motivated, just make it a competition!! The boys did win!!
After VBS each day we played until I was just too pooped to continue. Christian, of course, otherwise known as the energizer bunny, could have continued day and night. All in all it was a fun and exhausting week. My hat is off to all of my stay at home mom friends, you rock, as for me, I'm going to keep my day job!!
This year in VBS the boys teamed up against the girls to raise $3,200 which will provide an african boy and girl one year worth of food, water, clothing and education. Each day the children gathered up as much loose change as they could find and placed their "offering" in the appropriate gender bucket. Christian was determined that the boys should win. He emptied both my wallet and Randy's, ash trays in the cars, his own piggy bank and even hit up the housekeeper for money. If you want to get him motivated, just make it a competition!! The boys did win!!
After VBS each day we played until I was just too pooped to continue. Christian, of course, otherwise known as the energizer bunny, could have continued day and night. All in all it was a fun and exhausting week. My hat is off to all of my stay at home mom friends, you rock, as for me, I'm going to keep my day job!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Destiny
It is 3:00 AM, and I am updating my blog because I can't get back to sleep. Caroline has been up twice and now I'm wide awake because I can't shake the thought that Meredith Hatch would trade places with me in a second for one more chance to rock and comfort one of her sons back to sleep.
For those of you that dont' know the story, Meredith Hatch, a mother of three boys, wife, business owner, friend, daughter and so much more, was tragically killed by a drunk driver while training for a triathalon on Sunday morning. She was riding with her trainer, Mike, and was struck from behind at 65 mph, while the driver (24 years old), returning from a bachelor party, killed both Meredith and Mike on impact. Meredith was 38 years old.
Her life parallel's my own so much that it is scary. We spent many hours talking about how are we going to fit it all in. Our business responsiblities, charity and volunteer work, activities that the kids want to do, time for ourselves, time with our spouses, and the guilt that inevitably comes from taking time away from our kids to fulfill our goals and dreams.
Just last year, Meredith and I attended a funeral together of another friend, Stephanie Flynn 42 years old, died of lung cancer, and never smoked a cigarette. Friday, I will attend the funeral for Meredith. Tragic, senseless loss.
I pray that I am continually reminded of my good fortune. Randy is very good to me, and he is a steller example of what a father should be to their children. Christian, is full of energy and attitude, and is 110% boy!! Caroline, sweet Caroline, she's bouncy, giggly, and fun with crazy curly hair!!
I will be tired tomorrow, but I don't mind, it is my privledge to be their mother and Randy's wife. My friends, give your family a little extra love today, because you just don't know when it will be your last opportunity.
For those of you that dont' know the story, Meredith Hatch, a mother of three boys, wife, business owner, friend, daughter and so much more, was tragically killed by a drunk driver while training for a triathalon on Sunday morning. She was riding with her trainer, Mike, and was struck from behind at 65 mph, while the driver (24 years old), returning from a bachelor party, killed both Meredith and Mike on impact. Meredith was 38 years old.
Her life parallel's my own so much that it is scary. We spent many hours talking about how are we going to fit it all in. Our business responsiblities, charity and volunteer work, activities that the kids want to do, time for ourselves, time with our spouses, and the guilt that inevitably comes from taking time away from our kids to fulfill our goals and dreams.
Just last year, Meredith and I attended a funeral together of another friend, Stephanie Flynn 42 years old, died of lung cancer, and never smoked a cigarette. Friday, I will attend the funeral for Meredith. Tragic, senseless loss.
I pray that I am continually reminded of my good fortune. Randy is very good to me, and he is a steller example of what a father should be to their children. Christian, is full of energy and attitude, and is 110% boy!! Caroline, sweet Caroline, she's bouncy, giggly, and fun with crazy curly hair!!
I will be tired tomorrow, but I don't mind, it is my privledge to be their mother and Randy's wife. My friends, give your family a little extra love today, because you just don't know when it will be your last opportunity.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Christian story
I thought I would give you all a break from pictures and share with you one of the many Christian stories.
On the way home from school today Christian said, look mom I cut my shorts today. As you might imagine I said, "Christian why would you do that, we don't cut our clothes. To which he responded, Justin (for those of you that don't know, Justin is Christian's 14 year old cousin) does, he has holes in his pants!!!! Thank you Mr. Justin, you are having quite an impact on my little one.
On the way home from school today Christian said, look mom I cut my shorts today. As you might imagine I said, "Christian why would you do that, we don't cut our clothes. To which he responded, Justin (for those of you that don't know, Justin is Christian's 14 year old cousin) does, he has holes in his pants!!!! Thank you Mr. Justin, you are having quite an impact on my little one.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Don't quit your day job!
Today is a big day, I am attempting to set up a family blog!!! I vowed to do this myself and not have to ask Randy for help, but guess what???? I already had to ask him to show me how to post, this is not a good sign!!
Anyway, I am inspired to press on by my friends Peggy Rice and Kara King. Both are master bloggers and I love reading about their lives and family, as they have both moved away recently.
As I get more familiar with blogging I will post some pictures and keep you up to speed on Christian and Caroline stories. Until then, happy blogging!!
Anyway, I am inspired to press on by my friends Peggy Rice and Kara King. Both are master bloggers and I love reading about their lives and family, as they have both moved away recently.
As I get more familiar with blogging I will post some pictures and keep you up to speed on Christian and Caroline stories. Until then, happy blogging!!
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