Family Around the Christmas Tree(Meredith, Mommy, Philip, Stephanie, Hayden (w/ mohawk), Daddy, & Grandma (w/ crutches))
November 2009 - 6.5 years old
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
New Shoes
I looked at Meredith's feet last week and determined she desparately needed new shoes.
She didn't want new shoes. She liked her "Tinkerbell" shoes and wanted to wear them always.
But they looked like this. . .
She didn't want new shoes. She liked her "Tinkerbell" shoes and wanted to wear them always.
But they looked like this. . .
You may not be able to tell but the toe of the right foot is almost worn through.
So we went and found some new "Tinkerbell" shoes. They're a little big but not much. They're size 2 because there was no size 1 to be found and WE MUST HAVE TINKERBELL SHOES!
Do you know what size her old shoes were? Size 12. Yeah. They were WAY too small.
Don't tell Dad I let his granddaughter walk around in too small shoes. He has a phobia about that. He still claims that the reason his feet are messed up today is because his mother let him wear too small shoes/boots.
__________
In other feet news. . . My Dad's little toes and my little toes have messed up toenails. They kinda like grow straight up instead of out like normal people's. Meredith had one little toe like that BUT it seems to have fixed itself. The last time I cut her toenails, it was almost perfect.
That kind of makes me sad. Now none of my kids have my messed up little toes.
Well, I guess I'll just be happy that they can wear sandles without being self-conscious about their toenails.Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Comeback Kid
We went to church on Sunday. It was my Cousin's last day as a minister there so I had to go. She didn't preach but did do a liturigal(?) dance.
That's not the story here.
We got there a little late so I couldn't park in my usual place. Usually, we park on the West side because I like to drop Philip off first since he is (a) too heavy to carry, (b) slow and easily distracted when he walks, and (c) noisy.
But this time I had to park on the East side so we took Stephanie to her class first.
When we walk in the East door, there is a big table right before her classroom.
It is covered with lost and found items.
Sitting on the table is . . . .
Baby Bear!
Wha???????
I knew he had been missing for a couple of months now. But I seriously thought he was in our house somewhere. When the heck did she take him to church? How is it possible that I let her take him inside the church? How does he keep finding his way home?
I am positive there is some Divine Intervention involved here. Because if we had parked in the normal place on the West side of the building, we would not have walked past that lost and found table and wouldn't have even seen him.
And this is the SECOND time he's made it back to Meredith!
You almost have to believe in God in this case - otherwise, this would be really spooky!
That's not the story here.
We got there a little late so I couldn't park in my usual place. Usually, we park on the West side because I like to drop Philip off first since he is (a) too heavy to carry, (b) slow and easily distracted when he walks, and (c) noisy.
But this time I had to park on the East side so we took Stephanie to her class first.
When we walk in the East door, there is a big table right before her classroom.
It is covered with lost and found items.
Sitting on the table is . . . .
Baby Bear!Wha???????
I knew he had been missing for a couple of months now. But I seriously thought he was in our house somewhere. When the heck did she take him to church? How is it possible that I let her take him inside the church? How does he keep finding his way home?
I am positive there is some Divine Intervention involved here. Because if we had parked in the normal place on the West side of the building, we would not have walked past that lost and found table and wouldn't have even seen him.
And this is the SECOND time he's made it back to Meredith!
You almost have to believe in God in this case - otherwise, this would be really spooky!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Moving Away
I picked up Meredith from school on Monday and she was very upset. A little boy in her class is moving and his last day would be on Tuesday. My poor little sweetheart - she believes her friends should always be with her.
Monday, October 19, 2009
OINK
One of Meredith's friends had a birthday party yesterday at SkateZone. We got there at 1 and I left her and Hayden there (I had to pay for Hayden to skate but then he got to be part of the party also.) They both came home requesting to go back the next day. The only complaint was Meredith got a blister on the back of one of her feet.
Then she was crabby and mean-spirited the rest of the day.
This morning she didn't want to go to school. But I was ready to only have the younger two home for once so I drove them to school.
Then I drove back to school to drop off Hayden's violin.
Then I drove back to school to pick up Meredith who was complaining of a stomachache and had a fever of 100.5. So she can't go to school tomorrow either - she has to be 24 hours fever-free.
I asked the nurse if they'd had any confirmed cases of swine flu and they have not. Confirmed cases - that is. Some of the parents think their kids may have/had it but when they call the doctor to bring the kid in, the doctor's office advises them to keep the kids home unless it gets really bad - high fever, etc - because they don't want to spread the germs. Anyway, all the suspected cases have been fairly mild around here. And, luckily, my kids don't have any pre-existing health concerns so I'm going to try not to worry about it too much.
Anyway, Meredith is just laying on the couch watching tv. She ate 4 chicken nuggets and only wants to drink water so other than laying on the couch without complaint, she seems fine.
It's nice out today so I have the windows open. I'm getting airline cabin fever - that means the windows have been closed for so long, I feel like the germs are just getting recirculated in here so, no wonder people are getting sick.
Then she was crabby and mean-spirited the rest of the day.
This morning she didn't want to go to school. But I was ready to only have the younger two home for once so I drove them to school.
Then I drove back to school to drop off Hayden's violin.
Then I drove back to school to pick up Meredith who was complaining of a stomachache and had a fever of 100.5. So she can't go to school tomorrow either - she has to be 24 hours fever-free.
I asked the nurse if they'd had any confirmed cases of swine flu and they have not. Confirmed cases - that is. Some of the parents think their kids may have/had it but when they call the doctor to bring the kid in, the doctor's office advises them to keep the kids home unless it gets really bad - high fever, etc - because they don't want to spread the germs. Anyway, all the suspected cases have been fairly mild around here. And, luckily, my kids don't have any pre-existing health concerns so I'm going to try not to worry about it too much.
Anyway, Meredith is just laying on the couch watching tv. She ate 4 chicken nuggets and only wants to drink water so other than laying on the couch without complaint, she seems fine.
It's nice out today so I have the windows open. I'm getting airline cabin fever - that means the windows have been closed for so long, I feel like the germs are just getting recirculated in here so, no wonder people are getting sick.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tooth(less) Picture and a Field Trip
On September 18, 2009, Meredith lost her first tooth. Here is the picture and, yes, I know it's fuzzy. See the hole at the bottom of her mouth. . . 
That would be a mint brownie in her hand. Daddy likes to make those. Mommy thinks they are disgusting but I'm not a huge fan of mints that are not Andes. However, I will encourage John to make brownies this way because then I am not tempted to eat them!!!!
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On October 2nd, her class had a field trip to the Literacy Something or Other in Seward at Columbia College. Here she is listening to Carmen Agra Deedy, the author of "Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach" telling the story of Martina. Mrs. Deedy is an awesome storyteller.
That would be a mint brownie in her hand. Daddy likes to make those. Mommy thinks they are disgusting but I'm not a huge fan of mints that are not Andes. However, I will encourage John to make brownies this way because then I am not tempted to eat them!!!!
___________________
On October 2nd, her class had a field trip to the Literacy Something or Other in Seward at Columbia College. Here she is listening to Carmen Agra Deedy, the author of "Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach" telling the story of Martina. Mrs. Deedy is an awesome storyteller.
Meredith is in the back row, in the middle between the two adults, with the glasses. Her teacher is the adult right behind her. I went with her - we rode on the bus.
It was actually a very nice trip except it was C O L D and W I N D Y !
And we had a picnic lunch outside. That was not fun. Plus, they gave us sun butter sandwiches. (No peanuts allowed, you know.) Sun butter is nasty, nasty stuff.
Then, they broke us all up into groups. We had enough grownups so we only had to take 3 kids each. The plan was that we would each keep track of our 3 kids while they played at the outdoor activities. Unfortunately, by the time we got to where the outdoor activities were, they had been disbanded because of the cold and wind. Meredith was highly upset - she had been looking forward to that. And she refused to join in our other games in favor of pouting. We had to wait for the bus to get back so we went into the library and looked at the rock room. It was a really cool rock room - someone had donated a bunch of rock and fossil samples to the college. (I could tell you who and what the room was actually called if I bothered to look it up online but I figure if you really want to know - you can look it up too! So there!)
Anyway, we got back to school in time to have cupcakes and then leave.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Spelling and Teeth and Brains
My girl is very proud of herself for learning how to read and spell. (I'm very proud of her too! - Now if only we had more time to work on the shoe-tying thing.)
She now refers to me as "M - O - M" (spelled out) so now I refer to her as "G - I - R - L."
___________________
Apparently, I forgot to put on here that Meredith lost her first tooth. She first noticed it was loose on the way home from the Koehler Reunion. It fell out on the Friday after that. I know it was a Friday night because the kids were home the next day. I got up on Saturday and Hayden advised me Meredith was upset because I - I mean, the Tooth Fairy did not make her appearance and Meredith's tooth was still under the pillow.
Poor little girl. (Honestly, it's no wonder Hayden found out so early.) But her big brother did do a good job consoling his sister and advised her that our Tooth Fairy is oftentimes late. (He is sooooo sweet! Sometimes.)
So. While the kids played, I sneaked into her room and replaced the tooth with some quarters. Then I didn't say anything about it thinking she would eventually go and check to see if the tooth was still there.
She still hadn't checked by evening so I told her that I was glad the Tooth Fairy hadn't come yet because this way I could get a picture of her holding her tooth for her website. So she went to go get the tooth and she came back overjoyed to see that the Tooth Fairy hadn't forgotten her after all and she had left her some money in exchange for the tooth.
This parenting thing would be so much easier if I had a personal assistant. Or at least more RAM in my brain.
On Friday, I have to get the girl to school by 8:30 so she can go on a field trip. I have that programmed into my phone so I'll remember (hopefully!)
Oh, and then there was the 'black plate fiasco.' First, only Hayden liked the black plate so I could just give it to him. Then the 3 older kids had to start fighting over it. So I had to make sure they got their turns. Yeah - right - I made sure each of them got one turn, then I retired the stupid plate.
When they were all 3 in the same bedroom, I had to remember whose turn it was to get hugs & kisses first each night. What a nightmare that was. No wonder I start getting tense around bedtime.
She now refers to me as "M - O - M" (spelled out) so now I refer to her as "G - I - R - L."
___________________
Apparently, I forgot to put on here that Meredith lost her first tooth. She first noticed it was loose on the way home from the Koehler Reunion. It fell out on the Friday after that. I know it was a Friday night because the kids were home the next day. I got up on Saturday and Hayden advised me Meredith was upset because I - I mean, the Tooth Fairy did not make her appearance and Meredith's tooth was still under the pillow.
Poor little girl. (Honestly, it's no wonder Hayden found out so early.) But her big brother did do a good job consoling his sister and advised her that our Tooth Fairy is oftentimes late. (He is sooooo sweet! Sometimes.)
So. While the kids played, I sneaked into her room and replaced the tooth with some quarters. Then I didn't say anything about it thinking she would eventually go and check to see if the tooth was still there.
She still hadn't checked by evening so I told her that I was glad the Tooth Fairy hadn't come yet because this way I could get a picture of her holding her tooth for her website. So she went to go get the tooth and she came back overjoyed to see that the Tooth Fairy hadn't forgotten her after all and she had left her some money in exchange for the tooth.
This parenting thing would be so much easier if I had a personal assistant. Or at least more RAM in my brain.
On Friday, I have to get the girl to school by 8:30 so she can go on a field trip. I have that programmed into my phone so I'll remember (hopefully!)
Oh, and then there was the 'black plate fiasco.' First, only Hayden liked the black plate so I could just give it to him. Then the 3 older kids had to start fighting over it. So I had to make sure they got their turns. Yeah - right - I made sure each of them got one turn, then I retired the stupid plate.
When they were all 3 in the same bedroom, I had to remember whose turn it was to get hugs & kisses first each night. What a nightmare that was. No wonder I start getting tense around bedtime.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
No 'Mommy-of-the-Year' Nominations Here
My Poor Sweetheart. . .
Mommy broke her heart today.
Today is the first after-school thingie of the school year. They always have it on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Right now - Thursday is when Hayden has football practice from 5-7 and the store is open until 8. John takes Hayden to practice and I watch the store.
So I picked the kids up from school today and the first thing she says while she's still getting into the car is, "Tonight is curriculum night at school. It's at 6:30."
I said, "I know but it's not going to . . . . (insert wailing and gnashing of teeth here. By Meredith, not me.) . . . work out for us to go tonight."
I tried to be patient because I know she's only in the first grade and she is in love with school and her teacher and wants to do everything that they have to offer.
But after a couple of blocks, I had to advise her to work on calming herself down because Mommy's tolerance of fit throwing was fast running out.
After we got home, I made sure to reassure her that her teacher would understand that not everybody would be able to make it and, hopefully, we will be able to go to the next one.
Honestly, I think the Oreos and the new Scooby Doo movie being on helped her more than our little chat.
Mommy broke her heart today.
Today is the first after-school thingie of the school year. They always have it on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Right now - Thursday is when Hayden has football practice from 5-7 and the store is open until 8. John takes Hayden to practice and I watch the store.
So I picked the kids up from school today and the first thing she says while she's still getting into the car is, "Tonight is curriculum night at school. It's at 6:30."
I said, "I know but it's not going to . . . . (insert wailing and gnashing of teeth here. By Meredith, not me.) . . . work out for us to go tonight."
I tried to be patient because I know she's only in the first grade and she is in love with school and her teacher and wants to do everything that they have to offer.
But after a couple of blocks, I had to advise her to work on calming herself down because Mommy's tolerance of fit throwing was fast running out.
After we got home, I made sure to reassure her that her teacher would understand that not everybody would be able to make it and, hopefully, we will be able to go to the next one.
Honestly, I think the Oreos and the new Scooby Doo movie being on helped her more than our little chat.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
You're Out!
Stephanie and I picked the kids up from school yesterday. Hayden had apparently had a long day at school so he advised the girls they were going to play "The Quiet Game" and the one who stayed quiet the longest won. He told them the only thing they could say was "you're out." (Hayden likes to make up rules.)
So they started the game and Meredith immediately yells "You're out!" which made Hayden and I laugh the rest of the way home so we lost because, technically, she followed the rules of the game to the letter.
OK - I admit - it was much funnier when it happened.
So they started the game and Meredith immediately yells "You're out!" which made Hayden and I laugh the rest of the way home so we lost because, technically, she followed the rules of the game to the letter.
OK - I admit - it was much funnier when it happened.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Dating Movies
Prelude: we've been watching "Enchanted" - a Disney movie about princesses and princes and happily ever afters. . .
Last night Meredith advised me that she was going to tell Juwlien to take her on a date. They are going to go out to eat (at our house) and then go to the Ball (apparently, also at our house).
(Got that? - so far I'm okay.)
Then - they will be going to the real dating place.
(???!??!??!!)
That's where the guy will say, "Meredith, will you take Juwlien to be your forever husband?" "Yes, I do." "Juwlien, will you take Meredith to be your forever wife?" "Yes, I do." {insert smooching noises here.}
mmmmm hmmmm.
That girl may not be allowed to leave the house until she's 35.
Last night Meredith advised me that she was going to tell Juwlien to take her on a date. They are going to go out to eat (at our house) and then go to the Ball (apparently, also at our house).
(Got that? - so far I'm okay.)
Then - they will be going to the real dating place.
(???!??!??!!)
That's where the guy will say, "Meredith, will you take Juwlien to be your forever husband?" "Yes, I do." "Juwlien, will you take Meredith to be your forever wife?" "Yes, I do." {insert smooching noises here.}
mmmmm hmmmm.
That girl may not be allowed to leave the house until she's 35.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Corruption at Home
I think my husband is corrupting the kids.
Last night he suggested that they all watch South Park. I quickly vetoed that idea.
Then Meredith said, "Why don't we just watch something kids would like - like Hell Boy."
Last night he suggested that they all watch South Park. I quickly vetoed that idea.
Then Meredith said, "Why don't we just watch something kids would like - like Hell Boy."
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Artwork Wednesday #1
A really cool Christmas scene.
One question - if Hayden is excepted, then who exactly is she trying to keep out?Sunday, May 31, 2009
ALL or Nothing
When Meredith was very small and in daycare, she had an allergic reaction to the sunscreen they put on her. She had a rash for several days.
She also got that rash the one time I washed her clothes in Tide.
So we've been using ALL Detergent and "baby-formula" sunscreen ever since.
That was a long time ago and I was hoping she would outgrow it. I was thinking about trying to change detergents.
Yesterday at the Bikeathon I put our baby sunscreen on all the kids but forgot to bring it along to Mom & Dad's. The kids were outside all afternoon and Steffi's face was getting red so I borrowed Mom's Coppertone sunscreen to put on the girls.
Mom lotioned up Meredith. She did her face and arms and by the time she got to the legs, Meredith was crying because it was itching her. I took her into the bathroom to wash it off and by the time we got there (5-ft away), her arms were turning red. So I tossed her into the shower. (Luckily, Mom's soap didn't bother her.) We got all the sunscreen washed off and the itching stopped. So she put her filthy clothes back on and went outside again.
Today I will be going to the store to stock back up on the baby sunscreen and I'll make sure I get an extra for the diaper bag.
She also got that rash the one time I washed her clothes in Tide.
So we've been using ALL Detergent and "baby-formula" sunscreen ever since.
That was a long time ago and I was hoping she would outgrow it. I was thinking about trying to change detergents.
Yesterday at the Bikeathon I put our baby sunscreen on all the kids but forgot to bring it along to Mom & Dad's. The kids were outside all afternoon and Steffi's face was getting red so I borrowed Mom's Coppertone sunscreen to put on the girls.
Mom lotioned up Meredith. She did her face and arms and by the time she got to the legs, Meredith was crying because it was itching her. I took her into the bathroom to wash it off and by the time we got there (5-ft away), her arms were turning red. So I tossed her into the shower. (Luckily, Mom's soap didn't bother her.) We got all the sunscreen washed off and the itching stopped. So she put her filthy clothes back on and went outside again.
Today I will be going to the store to stock back up on the baby sunscreen and I'll make sure I get an extra for the diaper bag.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Break-Up
I forgot to tell you - Meredith broke up with Juwlien last week. He's still her friend but not her boyfriend anymore.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Bike Riding
We brought our bikes along to Grandma & Grandpa's on Saturday. I have a small bike with training wheels and a bigger bike without. Mommy wants me to learn to ride the big bike but we brought them both along. I did try the big bike but that didn't work out too well. So Grandpa took the training wheels off my small bike.
I think I'm going to wait a little longer before riding a bike without training wheels. Grandpa said I would learn when I was ready. Mommy said she's ready for me to learn now.
Then Grandpa asked Mommy when she learned to ride a bike and she growled "When I was ready."
See that house in the last picture? That's Grandpa and Grandma's underground house. If you look close you can see the grass growing on top which is their roof. Did you know my Grandpa and Grandma were cave dweller? They are!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Break-Up
I keep forgetting to post this.
Meredith advised me back in March that Harry Potter no longer lives here.
When she is at school, he is here. And when she is here, he stays at school.
She said she made him leave her alone because he kept saying mean things and trying to get her in trouble.
My children are weird.
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On a plus note - even though she sleeps with Baby Bear again, she no longer sucks her thumb. At least not that I've seen. I guess her little hiatus from him was just what she needed to break the habit. I did think he was a stimulus for that and I guess I was correct.
Oh, and Meredith says Baby Bear is actually a "she" but I can never remember that - he looks like a "he" to me.
Meredith advised me back in March that Harry Potter no longer lives here.
When she is at school, he is here. And when she is here, he stays at school.
She said she made him leave her alone because he kept saying mean things and trying to get her in trouble.
My children are weird.
-------------------
On a plus note - even though she sleeps with Baby Bear again, she no longer sucks her thumb. At least not that I've seen. I guess her little hiatus from him was just what she needed to break the habit. I did think he was a stimulus for that and I guess I was correct.
Oh, and Meredith says Baby Bear is actually a "she" but I can never remember that - he looks like a "he" to me.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Newest Singing Sensation!
So - last Thursday I had a headache. I had to go pick up the kids and my plan was to return home, sit on the couch, and veg out for the rest of the evening.
I got to school and they come running out, "Mommy! We're having a picnic at school tonight!"
"What? No. We're not going. Mommy doesn't feel good."
So Hayden looks all dejected and Meredith is crying, "But I'm supposed to sing a song!"
Oh, crap.
And Hayden adds, "Plus they're going to give us hot dogs and cookies."
Hey! I had no idea what we were going to have for supper anyway. This could work out.
Daddy works until 8 every Thursday so, naturally, these school things are ALWAYS on Thursday.
We went home, I took some Tylenol, and everybody actually left me alone for 20 min or so so it could work. Then I packed all the kids, a blanket, sippy cups, and granola bars (for the kids who don't like hot dogs - which turned out to be all of them, of course - because they were grilled) in the car.
We set up our blanket, got our hot dogs, chips, and cookies, and actually had a nice time. It was nice to sit outside in the fresh air for awhile. The music teacher has a band and they played (too loudly but it wasn't unbearable), the kids played on the playground equipment and with their friends. Stephanie made a friend that she played with in the sandbox and on the bouncey thing. Philip held his own with the older kids on the slide. Meredith played on the monkey bars (her favorite thing) and with Shaylee. Hayden had both of his best friends there (Thomas and Brandon) and he also helped watch Philip and got us all Kool-Aid.
The 2nd - 6th grades all got to sing their own song with the band but, rest assured, Meredith was NOT left out. The last song was an all-school song and she was right in the middle of that! You can watch the video below - the sound quality isn't good - I need to start using the regular camcorder I guess and get a mic to put on her or something (I really need to figure that out if she's going to keep singing or performing.) But the song is called "Big Heart" and apparently it is the school theme song or something. (Hayden opted out of singing this song so he got to watch Philip while I recorded!)
( ( ( ( ( ( I'll upload the video later - it's taking too long and throwing John off of his computer for some reason - sorry for the delay!!! ) ) ) ) ) ) )
I got to school and they come running out, "Mommy! We're having a picnic at school tonight!"
"What? No. We're not going. Mommy doesn't feel good."
So Hayden looks all dejected and Meredith is crying, "But I'm supposed to sing a song!"
Oh, crap.
And Hayden adds, "Plus they're going to give us hot dogs and cookies."
Hey! I had no idea what we were going to have for supper anyway. This could work out.
Daddy works until 8 every Thursday so, naturally, these school things are ALWAYS on Thursday.
We went home, I took some Tylenol, and everybody actually left me alone for 20 min or so so it could work. Then I packed all the kids, a blanket, sippy cups, and granola bars (for the kids who don't like hot dogs - which turned out to be all of them, of course - because they were grilled) in the car.
We set up our blanket, got our hot dogs, chips, and cookies, and actually had a nice time. It was nice to sit outside in the fresh air for awhile. The music teacher has a band and they played (too loudly but it wasn't unbearable), the kids played on the playground equipment and with their friends. Stephanie made a friend that she played with in the sandbox and on the bouncey thing. Philip held his own with the older kids on the slide. Meredith played on the monkey bars (her favorite thing) and with Shaylee. Hayden had both of his best friends there (Thomas and Brandon) and he also helped watch Philip and got us all Kool-Aid.
The 2nd - 6th grades all got to sing their own song with the band but, rest assured, Meredith was NOT left out. The last song was an all-school song and she was right in the middle of that! You can watch the video below - the sound quality isn't good - I need to start using the regular camcorder I guess and get a mic to put on her or something (I really need to figure that out if she's going to keep singing or performing.) But the song is called "Big Heart" and apparently it is the school theme song or something. (Hayden opted out of singing this song so he got to watch Philip while I recorded!)
( ( ( ( ( ( I'll upload the video later - it's taking too long and throwing John off of his computer for some reason - sorry for the delay!!! ) ) ) ) ) ) )
Relationships
Meredith advised us this morning that she is going to marry Khai so he will be her husband.
But Juwlien isn't going to be left out - he gets to be her boyfriend.
But Juwlien isn't going to be left out - he gets to be her boyfriend.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Six-Year-Old Interview
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite toy: Baby Bear
Favorite toy besides Baby Bear: Barbies
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite thing to do: Watch cartoons
Best friend at school: Juwlein and Khai
Best girl friend at school: Angelica
Favorite subject at school: PE
Favorite thing to do at recess: play on the swinging monkey bars
Favorite cartoon: Scooby Doo
2nd Favorite tv show: Danny Phantom
Favorite thing to do at home: Play my new game (Connect 4)
Favorite book: Pinkalicious
Favorite character: Tinkerbell and Peter Pan
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood: 100
Favorite toy: Baby Bear
Favorite toy besides Baby Bear: Barbies
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite thing to do: Watch cartoons
Best friend at school: Juwlein and Khai
Best girl friend at school: Angelica
Favorite subject at school: PE
Favorite thing to do at recess: play on the swinging monkey bars
Favorite cartoon: Scooby Doo
2nd Favorite tv show: Danny Phantom
Favorite thing to do at home: Play my new game (Connect 4)
Favorite book: Pinkalicious
Favorite character: Tinkerbell and Peter Pan
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood: 100
What do you want to be when you grow up: an astronaut, a mom, and a cowgirl
How many kids do you want to have: 5
Where do you want to live: on 'A' Street
What is your favorite animal: a horse and I like cats and dogs
Do you have anything to tell your future self? 1+1 is 2, 2+1 is 3
Monday, April 06, 2009
More Career Choices
So first she is going to be an astronaut, then the next day a mom, then a cowgirl.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sleepwalking Again
John and I were watching Scrubs late last night. At about 11:30, Meredith walks out of her room and over to the computer. Then she heads back to her room. I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom but she just went back in her room.
About 2 minutes later she comes back out, RUNS around the living room once and then heads to the bathroom. She came back and sat down beside me on the arm of the couch. She looked like she was awake but she wouldn't answer us when we talked to her. So, John had to carry her back to bed.
_______________
Hayden and Meredith are playing video games now. One of the Nick Toons games. They've been alternating between playing nicely for a few minutes and then bickering for a few minutes.
They're driving me nuts. I'm so glad Spring Break is almost over.
About 2 minutes later she comes back out, RUNS around the living room once and then heads to the bathroom. She came back and sat down beside me on the arm of the couch. She looked like she was awake but she wouldn't answer us when we talked to her. So, John had to carry her back to bed.
_______________
Hayden and Meredith are playing video games now. One of the Nick Toons games. They've been alternating between playing nicely for a few minutes and then bickering for a few minutes.
They're driving me nuts. I'm so glad Spring Break is almost over.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Science Fair
Meredith's original experiment was "How do Crystals Form?" Unfortunately, neither her mother nor her father has any experience with science fairs or growing crystals and her experiment failed miserably. So we changed it the day before the fair. Since we only had 1 day, our options were very limited.
Her presentation was on "Does the Size of a Ball Affect the Rate of Fall?" We (mostly) determined it does not. (I say 'mostly' because she sometimes confuses herself and thinks one ball does fall faster. Whatever - she's in Kindergarten - they haven't taught her physics yet - and don't think she's going to learn that from me!)
She did very well. She was excited that judges were going to come up to her so she could explain her experiment and show them what she learned. She showed the judges, her teacher, the principal, her friends, everyone who entered the school gymnasium.
. . . I'm thinking I could get her a job somewhere demonstrating products.
Friday, March 20, 2009
What do you want to be when you grow up?
In the car last night, Meredith advised that she knows what she wants to be when she grows up.
A mother.
But she also wants to go into outer space at least once before that so she'll be an astronaut first.
A mother.
But she also wants to go into outer space at least once before that so she'll be an astronaut first.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Ready to Read
My baby is really learning to read.
OK. She's been learning all year at school. She's actually almost at a 1st grade reading level.
But she doesn't really ever read around here.
That's mostly my fault. We have books for her to read to me. But I never seem to think about it. After school we have snack-time, play-time, getting supper ready-time, supper-time, clean-up-time, bath-time and bed-time. Where is the reading-time? You tell me.
But the last few nights she has been reading in bed - "Go, Dog, Go!"
Hayden picked it for story-time Sunday night. (OK - we do have story-time. But that's for bed and I read those stories.) I told her if she practiced it, she could read it to me. That was supposed to be yesterday. Hopefully, it will actually happen today.
OK. She's been learning all year at school. She's actually almost at a 1st grade reading level.
But she doesn't really ever read around here.
That's mostly my fault. We have books for her to read to me. But I never seem to think about it. After school we have snack-time, play-time, getting supper ready-time, supper-time, clean-up-time, bath-time and bed-time. Where is the reading-time? You tell me.
But the last few nights she has been reading in bed - "Go, Dog, Go!"
Hayden picked it for story-time Sunday night. (OK - we do have story-time. But that's for bed and I read those stories.) I told her if she practiced it, she could read it to me. That was supposed to be yesterday. Hopefully, it will actually happen today.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Notes From Meredith
(I asked Meredith to tell me something for her blog and this is what I got.)
I like making snow angels. And grass angels. Like I did before at Hayden's football.
I like making snow angels. And grass angels. Like I did before at Hayden's football.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Parent-Teacher Conference
Meredith and I had a Parent-Teacher Conference with her teacher, Mrs. Curtis today. My baby is doing very well, thank you. She has lots of friends and likes to learn. She read a few books to me (I'm thinking she had parts memorized, but she also sounded out a few words.) She is reading at almost a 1st grade reading level. She has to read one Level 3 book before the end of the year and her teacher thinks she'll probably do that before the end of this quarter.
Meredith showed me her writing folder. Apparently, she likes rainbows. She had one story that included Hayden and me as well as Meredith. It ended with she likes to play soccer. I liked that in her illustration, both she and I were wearing glasses.
She received a gift of a Fisher-Price Get Ready to Read set. I had actually bought a set of these books for Hayden when he was in Kindergarten and was just thinking the other day that I needed to get them out and start Meredith on them. According to her teacher, they are actually 1st-grade reading level so there will be some words she doesn't know yet. I'm glad she got her own set though - they have stickers so you can keep track of how many times you read them and in the back is a word list and they can color in the stars of the words she already knows. We read one book and did the word list at the back tonight.
I also talked to her Art and Music teachers and she is doing well in both of those classes as well. In music, she has a little boy stand next to her who is, apparently, always touching her and stuff and her teacher told me she was very impressed at how well Meredith handles him. She'll either ignore him or move away a little. I advised her teacher that she does have a younger brother and sister at home so she has practice at that!
Anyway, when we talked to Mrs. Curtis, she advised that Khai has a crush on Meredith so I'm sure that's partly to blame. And, yes, she still is best friends with Juwlien as well.
Meredith is also in a "try-on" differentiated reading and math program. That's what they call the advanced class. And its "try-on" just because they're seeing if these little kids are a fit for it. She won't get tested for "gifted" until 2nd or 3rd grade and they test all the kids in that grade anyway. So we'll see how this plays out. Right now I'm just loving her in Kindergarten - at this age, they LOVE to learn!
Meredith showed me her writing folder. Apparently, she likes rainbows. She had one story that included Hayden and me as well as Meredith. It ended with she likes to play soccer. I liked that in her illustration, both she and I were wearing glasses.
She received a gift of a Fisher-Price Get Ready to Read set. I had actually bought a set of these books for Hayden when he was in Kindergarten and was just thinking the other day that I needed to get them out and start Meredith on them. According to her teacher, they are actually 1st-grade reading level so there will be some words she doesn't know yet. I'm glad she got her own set though - they have stickers so you can keep track of how many times you read them and in the back is a word list and they can color in the stars of the words she already knows. We read one book and did the word list at the back tonight.
I also talked to her Art and Music teachers and she is doing well in both of those classes as well. In music, she has a little boy stand next to her who is, apparently, always touching her and stuff and her teacher told me she was very impressed at how well Meredith handles him. She'll either ignore him or move away a little. I advised her teacher that she does have a younger brother and sister at home so she has practice at that!
Anyway, when we talked to Mrs. Curtis, she advised that Khai has a crush on Meredith so I'm sure that's partly to blame. And, yes, she still is best friends with Juwlien as well.
Meredith is also in a "try-on" differentiated reading and math program. That's what they call the advanced class. And its "try-on" just because they're seeing if these little kids are a fit for it. She won't get tested for "gifted" until 2nd or 3rd grade and they test all the kids in that grade anyway. So we'll see how this plays out. Right now I'm just loving her in Kindergarten - at this age, they LOVE to learn!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Haircut
See how cleverly I got both sides of her new haircut? Yes, it looks like the last cut - that's what we were going for!
She's watching "Shark Tales" on the store's DVD player.
Camping In
Every once in a while, John will get the tent out. He and Hayden have spent a night outside in the backyard of my Grandmother's house that we lived in for awhile. They have also spent a night in our current living room.
Last night, they invited Meredith to join them in the camping in experience in the living room.
We had to wait until nearly 10pm to set up the tent. Because Stephanie and Philip weren't invited this time and we had to get them to bed first! Just as well, really, Steffi didn't take her nap and she fell asleep within minutes of lying down.
Daddy really got the ball rolling with the whole experience:
They pretended they were camping in Africa. Daddy told ghost stories. They read books. Daddy kept making a growling sound like an animal was outside. They discussed ManBearPig - half man, half bear, half pig (I kept asking Hayden how many halves make a whole, but apparently, the concept escaped him.)
Meredith had a really good time on her very first camping experience.
Last night, they invited Meredith to join them in the camping in experience in the living room.
We had to wait until nearly 10pm to set up the tent. Because Stephanie and Philip weren't invited this time and we had to get them to bed first! Just as well, really, Steffi didn't take her nap and she fell asleep within minutes of lying down.
Daddy really got the ball rolling with the whole experience:
They pretended they were camping in Africa. Daddy told ghost stories. They read books. Daddy kept making a growling sound like an animal was outside. They discussed ManBearPig - half man, half bear, half pig (I kept asking Hayden how many halves make a whole, but apparently, the concept escaped him.)
Meredith had a really good time on her very first camping experience.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Young Frankenstein
Meredith is up now and she requested some orange juice, 2 granola bars, and wants to watch Young Frankenstein.
Sick
My poor baby is sick.
Steffi & Philip & I have been sick for awhile with colds but we seem to be over it now. It hung around for awhile but they don't have to go anywhere and can lay around on the couch or play quietly if they're not feeling well. Or whine incessently and demand to be held - which is usually what they choose to do.
Anyway, Meredith put herself to bed last night at 7:30. She got up a little later though and we all watched "Young Frankenstein." (We only had time to watch half of it before bed.) John put the kids to bed and she was asleep before I went in there for prayer. I took her temperature and it was just a touch high. This morning it was normal but she got out of bed, sat on the couch, and laid her head down on the arm. I asked if she wanted to go to school and she shook her head 'no.' I asked if she wanted to go back to bed and she shook her head 'yes.'
She's still sleeping. It's 11:00. And the little ones were in her room yelling at one point.
She must be sleeping pretty good too. She's not coughing anyway.
Steffi & Philip & I have been sick for awhile with colds but we seem to be over it now. It hung around for awhile but they don't have to go anywhere and can lay around on the couch or play quietly if they're not feeling well. Or whine incessently and demand to be held - which is usually what they choose to do.
Anyway, Meredith put herself to bed last night at 7:30. She got up a little later though and we all watched "Young Frankenstein." (We only had time to watch half of it before bed.) John put the kids to bed and she was asleep before I went in there for prayer. I took her temperature and it was just a touch high. This morning it was normal but she got out of bed, sat on the couch, and laid her head down on the arm. I asked if she wanted to go to school and she shook her head 'no.' I asked if she wanted to go back to bed and she shook her head 'yes.'
She's still sleeping. It's 11:00. And the little ones were in her room yelling at one point.
She must be sleeping pretty good too. She's not coughing anyway.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
School Game Night
Mommy did not really want to go to Game Night at the school. They always have it on a Thursday evening and I never get to have any fun since I have to keep track of the little ones. But Grandma volunteered to keep Philip at home. And Meredith had been asking to go to Game Night for weeks. All the families that went got a new game. We got "Trouble."
I can't remember the name of this game. Something like "Chickens in the Pen"? There are 2 teams and about 20 balls. You throw the balls to the other side (think Dodgeball only without hitting anyone), when time is up, you freeze and the scorekeeper counts the balls on each side - the team with fewer balls (chickens) wins. This picture actually has all 3 kids in it. (Philip didn't get to go.) Hayden is in the red shirt and khaki pants. Meredith is on the bottom left corner in the pink shirt. Stephanie is in the middle, running away from the camera, in the black shirt and jeans. Stephanie didn't really get the concept of the game. She just threw a ball and chased it until she caught the same ball so she was on both sides of the game.
They also played "Simon Says."
This game they had to pass a hula hoop from person to person without breaking the chain. I wanted to post the video I took of my kids doing this but Blogger isn't wanting me to update any videos today (or yesterday) so here is a picture and you will just have to imagine them climbing thru the hoop while still holding on to each others' hands.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Birthday
Meredith asks me nearly every day how many more days 'til my birthday?
Her birthday is not until April! AAAAAHHHHH!
Her birthday is not until April! AAAAAHHHHH!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Harry
Just in case you are interested, Harry Potter is still around. Meredith makes sure to hook his seatbelt for him and one night I had to give him a good night kiss. Occasionally, when I walk by her room, I hear her explaining the rules of the game to him.
She's back to school now though. He sometimes takes a hiatus when she gets to spend time with her school friends.
She's back to school now though. He sometimes takes a hiatus when she gets to spend time with her school friends.
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