the tooth fairy is coming tonight!

how much does the tooth fairy pay at your house?  we'll decide that tonight (dave has some crazy idea to put $1.28 under his pillow. something from a veggie tales movie that the boys laugh about.... ), and i'm sure it won't be close to the $101 aiden is expecting! ha.

looks a little small for it to even cost a $1.  i, however, know that this is an important decision to make as each subsequent tooth will demand an equal payment or more. hmmmm, i only remember receiving a quarter for mine.

 some friends and i were discussing how squeemish dave and i are in pulling teeth. (we grilled out last night and had corn on the cob, thinking it might fall out then.  but it didn't... just bled, further adding to my nausea.)  i was about to have a friend hold the boy down when he came running to me after the service and announced that his tooth fell out.  

congrats aiden!  i feel like i've just arrived into a new stage of life.  my oldest is no longer a baby.  it's so exciting, but yet sad at the same time.  i know, there are so many other things in which to be thankful.  maybe it's just that i found a couple baby pictures the other day (as most pics are still in storage in cleveland.... arrrggghhh). 

anyway, a new era of loosing teeth.  i might still need my friends to uphold and sustain me.  dave's family can attest that i am not the best when one of my kids' bust a tooth.  unfortunately, we've had many events with drew and his teeth. 

and now i'm going to throw up.

tackling form

woohoo!  the last day of school for 2008 has come and gone.  the boys had their christmas program this morning.  what a wonderful time of angst and joy.  angst as i was desperately praying that drew would behave himself, and aiden would not knock down the background.  joy as dave and i laughed throughout the whole production.  the boys are truly funny when they perform.

aiden gave the kid next to him a 'thumbs up' after they recited their lines. 

drew hammed it up for his parents, commenting later, "but mom!  i didn't jump!  i didn't jump mom!"  he did everything BUT jump.  i should have counted how many adults made mention of my silly 4 year old, but then i would have been bored after 20....

***********

is it sad that i look forward to exam week?  

what's not to love? half days, students quiet as they desperately scribble down vague answers, half days, christmas joy, half days.... did i mention half days?

2 whole weeks of relaxation and trying to keep the boys entertained.  oh, i almost forgot about the highlight of our week: drew's behavior on wednesday.

drew had a COMPLETELY horrible day on wednesday, but i can't help but feel mildly responsible.  i mean, he did inherit my sin nature, especially my lack of patience and frustration that ensues from people's erratic behavior. let me explain:

we didn't arrive home until 10 p.m. on tuesday after band practice.  i was SO frustrated from the night, really frustrated at myself for my decreasing skill on the piano.  with my piano in storage in cleveland, i don't come close to practicing... EVER.  a bit frustrating to me as my dear, wonderful husband continues to take easy worship songs and mess with them to make new, "cooler" arrangements.  thus, my frustration increases. 

crashing in bed at 10:00, i knew the next day was going to be a little rough.  WE WILL BE ON TIME FOR SCHOOL.  i am a teacher after all.

so here's the run-down:

1. drew bit a kid who wouldn't give him a ball.  frustration.  i can relate.  he had a little talking from the principal and the nurse.... daddy would deal with him later that night.

2. i picked drew up from aftercare to find out that he had a rough time at lunch... or really HE was the one who was rough.  he pushed and was all around nasty.

3.  treasure box.  he took 2 treasures ***aghast**** and therefore, received none.  drew was NOT pleased.

4. after school.  he tackled a birthday girl, nonetheless, on the playground because he didn't want her to have the swing.  (i was somewhat tempted to ask the childcare worker if his form was ok on the tackle.... already thinking about a future in football or MMA.  i digress.)

so let's just say that drew had a nice, long nap at home.  daddy had his discipline moment and then a much better week.  drew did have to apologize to about 10 people the next day, but i would say it was a successful end to a very tough day.

i love you little man.  one day we will laugh hysterically over the things you did as a kid. 

thanksgiving, christmas and such

i love making gingerbread houses with the boys.  unfortunately, i'm not martha stewart (or dave's mom: she's a fantastic cook and decorator!) and therefore result to the gingerbread kits! ha.  we have fun every year making one.  this year's focused more on slapping the house together, taking the quick picture with my computer, and then tearing into it.  

the kids were hungry, what can i say?

although, this year's house was bit of a disappointment.  it tasted like trash, cardboard more specifically. dave and i both commented on the lack of taste... really only a hint of cinnamon at the very end.  

thanksgiving: we had a FABULOUS time with my side of the family and a short visit with dave's maternal grandparents.  my sisters were each in town with their growing families (excluding julie's eamon).  i loved seeing my nieces and nephew.  we even exchanged gifts between all the cousins.  the boys received a Wii from my parents, a total blast.  (they are playing it as i'm writing now!)

*** side note:  i was throwing out spelling words to the boys the other day.  aiden was practicing his school words and i was making up easy word for drew.  i asked drew how to spell "we."  

he said, "w...i...i."

uh....  what a brilliant kid i have!!! haha. ****

back to the family.  lisa now has 2 kids: jackson is 2 and ryan, my new niece, is 3 months.

ryan is a content baby and rarely cries unless jackson bites her. :) the boys had fun with jackson, romping around and ...being boys.

heather has micah, another niece, who is 7 months.  it was truly funny to see how micah would react to me.  she would normally become squirmy and reach for heather if other would hold her.  not with her aunt amy!  :) craig commented several times how genetics work in my favor.  that little girl would just look at me and snuggle in.  so sweet. 

i was passing craig and micah several times on sunday morning as i was getting ready for church.  i didn't notice until craig commented how micah would cry for me every time i passed her.  i can't help it... i love it.  i'm living vicariously through my sister until God blesses us with another baby!

as we gear up into the christmas season, we are praying that God continues to be a blessing to you and your family. if you are in the area, join us on Christmas Eve at Calvary Chapel Port St. Lucie. looking forward to celebrating Christ with the church and family.  have a great Christmas!   

stalker mom

i'm officially a stalker mom, defender of the defenseless (AKA: my boys).  dave previously wrote about the all-new craze of bakugan toys.  our boys have two: 1 each.  

well, yesterday i picked the kids up from school and discovered that aiden had snuck a bakugan to school, trading it for another.  only he didn't trade his....  he traded drew's.

 

i was not a happy camper.  aiden defended himself by saying, "but mom! i got one in return!!!" let me explain: earlier this week dave had to detail the concept of trading.  trading means giving and then RECEIVING a toy in return. 

so off i march to school with the boys in tow.  super mom to rescue drew's traded toy.  have we mentioned how the manufacturer is making a LOAD off of these toys?  every store is sold out, hence why the boys only have one bakugan each.  some of these kids at school have 10+.  it's completely crazy.

the child aiden traded with was still in aftercare, but no bakugan in sight.  he had already traded it with another boy.  ARGGGHHHH.

my two (count them: one, two...) planning periods were eaten up trying to unravel the trade.  but i prevailed.  :) (are you surprised?)  

drew has his toy.  aiden learned a lesson. mom is tired.  

**** gum update****

i have officially caught #50.  about 10 students are in the process of paying still.  some have payment plans. :)  what a great way to save for Christmas.  i could kiss the administrator who came up with this rule, but then that would be gross.

 

what did you just say?!?!?!

the comic timing on drew is just incredible.  i'm sitting at the computer, checking my facebook, and heard the funniest thing out of him.  as the boys grabbed a snack to tide them over until dave arrives home, drew announces, "pop tarts!  be healthy!!!"

is he really praying that God will change the molecular structure of his sugar-induced pop tart?

so funny.  all this with newly shaved heads. 

shhhh. don't tell my mom.  she just told my sister she couldn't wait to see how long the boys' hair was!  uhhhhh.....  hope everyone loves our Christmas picture we'll take at Thanksgiving!  

Oh were oh were have normal toys gone? Oh where oh where could they be?

Alright, for some reason I'm thinking about toys during my lunch break... My boys are into some new toys... Bakugans & Tech Deck Dudes. Yeah, you read it right... The Bakugan is a transforming toy that turns from some ninja character into a small ping pong size ball that can be shot from various proprietary firing mechanisms, much like a nerf ball... Transformers, old news. Ninja Turtles, a thing of the past. Spiderman, sometimes.... Football, occassionally. Bakagan... all the rage. Did I mention each toy comes with a trading card? A genius move combining Nerf like fun, Action Figure fun, & The Pokemon trading card thing = mega sales. I'll get my boys one or two just to boost their self esteem at school. For all you out there who think a bakugan is evil, I watched the smurfs & I became a pastor :).

sarah palin

here's a funny story from our trip to delaware.

we arrived in baltimore around 9-ish, waiting to deplane.  as we were the last passengers off the plane, i decided to take my time collecting out carry-ons and had yet to pick up drew's car seat plane-side. i was trying not to become agitated with the service we were receiving when all of the sudden, some male flight attendant starting running at me screaming, "SARAH PALIN!!!!! AHHHH!!!" at the top of his lungs, mind you.

now, i have previously received a couple of comments from some parents about how i resemble sarah palin (especially when i wear my glasses).  one parent even gave me a 'fist bump' telling me to rock it out! funny.

anyways, dave said he was a little startled with some man freaking out and hugging me in the terminal.  i think he realized he had nothing to worry about when this stranger started lifting my hair and describing how i would look more like gov. palin if i had my hair up.  enough said.  

what do you think?  we've toyed with the idea of putting me in a suit for halloween. :)

sarah and optimus prime.  you didn't know such existed in south florida.

i might need to learn to tease my hair a little more.....

halloween and the sugar rush....

well, apparently candy does not effect the rest of my family like it does me.  i am wide awake, regardless of the stressful week as the boys (all 3 of them) are snoozing after a hard night of candy gathering.  mmmmmm, milky way.... snickers.... reese's.... my favorite!  as i munch i might as well blog.  

here's some pics, courtesy of photo booth on the computer. still saving for a new digital camera.

obviously, you can see where the kids get their craziness.  the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!!

drew: the storm trooper from star wars.

aiden as optimus prime (transformer).  

i really tried hard to have the kids dress up as something funny.  my personal fav was ketchup and mustard.  no go.  well, aiden seriously was mulling this choice over as he LOVES ketchup.  drew, on the other hand, quickly vetoed mom's choice.  storm trooper and optimus prime it was. 

we had fun.  we went to church in the farms and let the kids run wild at the fall fest. they are now in their beds, dreaming sweet dreams of candy..... 

delaware

just a little note that we are still alive and had a GREAT time in delaware.  our friends, herb and leslie heinrichs, are an amazing family with two wonderful girls.  i haven't seen our boys thoroughly enjoy other kids like this trip.  i don't think we had one time where they were fighting, in fact quite the opposite!  apparently, aiden and makayla are getting married.... ha. :)

hopefully i can upload some pictures.  leslie took some on her camera and might email them to me.  (i need a camera!  next thing on my gum list after the kids' christmas presents.)

i have some funny stories i'll write about later.  just wanted to mention what a blessing good friends are to us. :)  thanks herb and leslie!  so much fun. 

a smorgasbord of stuff

i am very tired of being sick. ugh.  dave and i both are on the Z-pack, hopefully some relief will come soon.  this cold thing is not like regular colds.  it has knocked me flat on my rear from the get-go.  

on a more positive note, we'll be flying out to delaware thursday and won't be back until sunday.  we have some college friends that are blessing us with some tickets to see them!  fun times in store.  i know dave is excited to spend some time fishing, plus we'll enjoy a fall festival.  this will be the first time in awhile to go on "vacation" without bumming off the parents!  (not that i don't love the beach, the mountains, or our family....) 

have i mentioned that the boys are doing a PHENOMENAL job at school?  aiden is reading well and drew is loving his class. i really think drew could be reading soon.  don't want to push him, having him recoil from my reading efforts, but i might start sneaking in some reading without him knowing it.  for instance, aiden was doing his bi-weekly reading homework and i pointed out the word "fox" to drew.  he read it and several others on the page.  fantastic. :)  tons of applause and kudos to my pre-k little boy.

also, dave has recounted a couple of conversations he has witnessed with the boys concerning God.  apparently, they were in wal-mart and (very loudly) had the following conversation with their daddy:

boys: "dad... is God rich????"

dave: "uh, yes... He is."

other customers start snickering and laughing...

boys: "so rich He could buy all these toys?!?!?"

and so it goes.  gotta love 4 and 5 year old boys trying to figure out God. 

wordle.net

wordle's interpretation of my blog.  wordle.net  check it out.  just a little fun.

6 things about my kids

just for fun: i've been tagged by a friend to list 6 things about each of my children. 

aiden:

1. nickname: the A-train :)

2. super-strong that sometimes i worry about other children more than him

3. can count by 5's!!! so proud.

4. walks just like his daddy

5. wants to be a 'drum-pastor' (worship leader?!?!) 

6. loves his brother, drewby, and ernie the elephant

drew:

1. nickname: drew-dog, drewby

2. crazy, just like his mom

3. has an amazing sense of comic timing

4. leads with his teeth; too bad they don't last

5. blankie: 'nough said

6. has officially left the momma's boy stage to favor daddy :)

thursday

i'm sitting here, waiting for dave to come home from church.  God has really done some amazing things this week and brought us to our knees.  you have to know that dave's been sick for about a week with his allergies/sinus infection thing, we've battled pink-eye, aiden has double ear-infections and now on his 2nd antibiotic, and i've just started the whole cold-sinus thing.  what a pain. 

HOWEVER: i've felt that i've needed to post after such a rough last week.  sunday was an absolute, amazing worship service at calvary chapel.  dave led out in a prayer experience and we saw many people on their knees before the Lord.  pastor mike preached through philippians 4, talking about rejoicing in the Lord and the peace through prayer.

here's the kicker. i've had a harder time this school year finding that 'right' time to spend away with Him.  last year was so easy as i had first period off.  i came in, settled myself, and dove into the Word. enough said. this year, not quite so easy as i have a different schedule.  excuses, excuses.... lack of consistent quite time.

so as God spoke to me this Sunday, i realized how much i was still worrying over things and not bringing them before Him.  i have made a consistent effort to try to spend some time at night these past few days alone in a quiet time.  tuesday night was one of those nights where dave was at band practice and, as i am not playing this week, i was at home. i confessed plainly how i have just known that God is God and therefore, i have lacked the ASKING part of prayer.  you know, the part that most people do but apparently i have not.  i worry. 

i  climbed into bed, fully relaxed as i just unloaded on my Heavenly Father.  dave came home not too long after and woke me up.  he then told me how he went to the mailbox, retrieved the mail, and was astounded by God. we received a gift in the mail allowing us to drastically catch up on some things we needed.

now i know finances are somethings that people just don't like discussing.  it's just not a secret that we've been through quite a year. enough said.  we are very thankful for the jobs God has provided, but we know that it might take us a long time to get out of the hole we've currently fond ourselves.

but isn't our God good?  He constantly proves Himself over and over to us, specifically me.  have i not learned the lesson to trust in the Lord, the provider of all good things? i look back on the past years and see how God has guided and given, all what we've needed.  

even through this week of sickness, rejoice with us on how our God is truly a good God.  He knows exactly what we need, but yet wants us to ask and then trust. thank you Lord. :)

it's been awhile :)

what a week.  it definitely has been awhile since i've posted as school has overwhelmed me.  this week has been trying, for sure. 

started monday morning discovering that a former student committed suicide.  I taught her 5 years ago while i was pregnant with aiden.  sweet, outgoing girl who truly loved the Lord.  i currently teach her sister at JCS.  the student body is struggling as this is completely senseless.  i know suicide is horrific, but this girl was one who you never would have expected to have issues.  please pray for the clark family that they can continue to trust the Lord through this time.

this has opened up obvious opportunities to talk with students about Christ. pray that i would take advantage of times in and out of class and yet, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting.  i know that i can't always have answers especially during such a difficult time. 

compounding the incident, i am so aware of students in my class and their spiritual apathy or lack of hunger for the word.  more often than not, i am torn emotionally because i feel like most just 'don't get it.'  dave and i have spent the better part of tonight talking about ministry to youth, being there to help guide and direct.  however, they still have to make choices.  it just kills me when i know they are making wrong choices and living in blatant sin. 

this is my week.  plus, i'm in the middle of grading about 30 tests, 30 fantasy stories, and 30 literary reviews.  in addition to, i have to write 2 test.  oh... it's gonna be a fun weekend!

to say the least: i'm looking forward to worship this sunday.  how can one not love a Lord who forgives?  One who has redeemed.  blessed be His name

don't we all love doctors

without going into too much detail:  i love doctors.  i know many people diss on them, but i personally had a bird's eye view on why they make money.  

and i'm glad they do. 

i just wish that i was a doctor too.

hey.... that rhymes. 

Oh My Canes!

Just checking in to lament the last second loss of the team (Miami Hurricanes) that have my heart sunk into the abyss of sporting sorrow. I don't understand. I did everything right: wore my #2 Greg "Super" Cooper jersey on Thursday, spent time with God, and even went to catch the 4th quarter of the game at Duffy's since it was on Espn2 & I don't have cable. And to boot, my entire family was there as I was using it as propaganda to sway the 2 youngsters God has placed in my care to become life long cane fans. Somebody help me out, what did I do wrong? Fans of "The Turds" (Gators Fans) need not post, I don't want to hear from you because teams that can only beat us once per quarter century need not speak... at all. I still love my team AND thankfully my family is still Hurricane savvy. 

cell phone

dave was supposed to blog this little episode, but i know how busy he is this past month!

a new parenting situation occured in our home a few days ago. before school, aiden looked at dave innocently and said, " dad?"

"yes, aiden"

"when can i have a cell phone?"

aghast, dave responded, "what?!?!"

"yeah, a cell phone. all the kids at treasure times (the aftercare at school) have one."

***explosive laughter from dave***

our sweet, precious five-year old just asked about A CELL PHONE. what has this world come too?

i talked with aiden the next day questioning this interchange between him and his father. he said, "yeah, mom. i want a cell phone."

"no sweetie. you won't get one until you're older."

"like when i'm 6?"

(muffled laughter... i hope our kids won't be scarred from the fact their parents laugh at them all the time.)

"no.... MAYBE when you're 12. and that would only be one of those phones where you can only call your mom!"

aiden thought for a moment and with a smile on his face replied, "uh, how about when i'm 10?!?!"

smart kid.

but..... no. :)

taking a breath...

finally, a breather.  we've been running, both dave and myself.  dave has fervently been working on small groups this past week.  (if you didn't know, dave is also the small groups pastor at calvary chapel.) calvary connection day was sunday, pushing people to "connect" into a small group.  pastor mike and dave team-taught this sunday for a powerful message about discipleship and character building. :)  made my heart proud to be a part of a great church body and staff.  

on the other hand, i am trying to prepare my classes so i can travel north to orlando at a moment's notice.  lisa is expecting a baby this friday, if she doesn't go earlier. my new niece, ryan addison, should arrive on the 19th!  i'm totally pumped for another girl in the family. the grandkids number at 3 boys and (soon-to-be) 2 girls. 

side note:  gum is doing very well. :)  i've caught a total of 19 kids: 12 have paid.  hahaha.  makes me laugh.

tuesday

man!  i'm tired.  i feel like i'm a first year teacher all over again with the work hours i am putting in.  such is the life with new curriculum (or really a new year in a new grade).  tonight is our parent/teacher orientation so i figured i'll relax a bit on the internet before i head over. 

i even overheard dave telling a friend that he hasn't seen me work this hard in a LONG time. :)  so it's true. i've even logged weekend hours..... multiple weeks in a row. ouch.  the joys of teaching.....

gum update:  i've collected on 6 kids ($60 for me) and another 7 to come in.  that's right: i'm up to 13 kids so far.  now i'm starting to ponder if i should put the money down on a new camera.  it's so hard.  kinda like if you pay $$$ for a car.  once you save up, it's hard to spend. 

plus, i've been suckered into helping sponsor the junior class.  apparently, this is the hardest year as they need to fundraise for the prom and other events that are happening.  WONDERFUL.  it's a GOOD thing i like those kids!!!!!

gotta run.  keep chewin' out there. 

hurricane

well, looks like we've missed hannah, but ike is acomin'.  dave is currently out buying plywood as we are in the middle of the "cone of death." i usually laugh, but i am too tired. (it doesn't help that i'm trying to fight off a little scratchy throat and who-knows-what-else from my dear students.  i actually went to bed last night at 7:30 p.m. wonderful.)

we'll see if we evacuate to the north or south.  we usually wait to see how the storm looks.  fortunately, dave's parents are in miami and mine are in orlando.  i'm not big on weathering a storm in our wood-frame townhouse. our saving grace is that our place is in the middle of 5 homes. unfortunately, i have a job and don't have the luxury to hang at the parents' place until i feel free to come home.  i love electricity: not so much the nastiness of sweating it out.

other than that, we're doing well.  dave has had a couple big weeks with church stuff.  we should be rocking it out on sunday to some kirk franklin and jonathan stockstill.  come join us in port st. lucie if you are around!  we're kicking off our small groups this week with connection sunday, too. 

BTW: i'm up to 11 students caught with gum.  3 have paid....

procrastination

i am truly procrastinating. i need to write two tests for tomorrow, but i've done everything but write! i've started laundry, checked my facebook, unloaded the dishwasher, checked the weather channel, and now i'm on blogger.

so bare with me as i'm putting off the inevitable....

in case if you are wondering: yes, we are glad we're out of new orleans. could you imagine if this storm happened last year? it was already difficult to move 3 times in one year and so we're thankful that we didn't have to evacuate in the middle of our 6 month stint at seminary.

however, we're trying to keep up with some friends who are still there. as far as we know, all are safely out of the way of this hurricane. some even went to a farm in middle LA! that's a bit funny to me.

also: pictures might be slow coming on this blog. i officially announce that my camera is broken. stinks. i'm trying to decide if i can send it off to be fixed or if i should break down and buy a new one. i'm leaning towards using my gum money (if my students ever pay up... oh, but they will) however, i was looking forward to using that money for some new shoes. :) ahhhhh, don't you love nine west?!?!?

sounds like my dryer stopped. and yes.... i'm still procrastinating....

$70 coming my way

just a little post about my seven gun-chewers... that's right.  7 students in 8 days.  i'm rockin' and rollin'.  

technically, only 1 has paid so far.  but don't you worry, i will prevail.  i'm looking forward to a little shopping spree soon.  

and this officially starts a new label: gum money.   will update as the year progresses. 

amy

Dave-O-Rama has arrived!

Yo, 

I've been a complete slacker not contributing to my own family's blogity blog. Sooooo. Here I go (again on my own, going down the only road I've ever know, like a drifter I was born... {sorry the song just popped in my head})   It is a good song though... very 80's glam pop. ANYWAY (I ain't waistin' no more time... whoops, there's that song again). 

I thought I'd brag on my beautiful wife, she just finished teaching her first classes of the school year- she is doing such a great job & already racking up the GUM MONEY. I love when high schoolers chew gum in her class, it means we don't have to budget extra money toward fun, so if you chew in her class... HERE'S TO YOU MR & MRS REALLY HIGH-DOLLAR CHEWER, the price per slice of gum would go down drastically if you chew-baka  the gum after school hours! Give your molars a rest & the hard earned money your mommy gave ya this mornin' man.

Also props to our boys who both received great conduct marks the first few days of class. Peace in the middle east, all the way to Tampa Bay, So I'll Shout, Shout, Let it all out to my rockin' family. OUT.

school

so we made it through the first week.  most people take pictures of their kids in the morning before the first day.  but we're above that... or really i was out of the house before they were awake.  so here's a photo AFTER school.  they're smiling!  school is kicking in and they love it.  

i am TIRED and probably will head towards school tomorrow, yes- on a saturday, to write some tests and lesson plan. ahhhh, the work of a teacher never fails.

my classes overall are great.  i really enjoy some of the class dynamics this year.  :) hope it stays that way!!!  dave and i prayed together the night before, settling my nerves.  i think i had so many things running through my mind.  

the 2008-2009 school year: praying it's a good one!

a little gift

i have such a great husband.  :)  look what the boys came home with after a run to publix.  (note the mug/vase as all of my vases are still in cleveland.  oh well, making the best out of what we got.)  

a little story:  dave used to shower bouquets on me through our dating and engagement times.  however, he started slowing down with the surprise gifts after i forgot to put some in a vase.  in my defense, i was REALLY busy at the time and was not home often.  anyways, he just thought i didn't appreciate them anymore.

but i do. even simple carnations: flowers on a budget!  plus it makes it more special as my little men walk through the door, give me kisses, and tell me they love me.  dave is truly bringing up little men.  i hope they treat their future spouses just like the way their daddy treats me.  simply wonderful!

micah pics

i finally uploaded these pics from heather and micah's visit.  it's been a bit crazy as school starts tomorrow, and tropical storm fay has come and gone.  enjoy the pics!

micah was asleep when i first saw her in the airport.  what a sweet baby!  

drew especially loved micah.  he is pushing her in the swing (she loved it too!).

the boys cuddling with their cousin.  aiden was a little shy and made silly faces (hence why he was cut out of most of the picture).  but drew gave plenty of kisses!  she obviously loved being pampered.

aiden is still making the silly face!  they are so crazy.... but their mine!  :)

camp life

dave and aiden went to a preteen camp this week as dave was the camp pastor.  we figured aiden was the most apt to sit through a message.  then again, he is the most obedient carroll boy at this moment.... that helped the decision too.  poor drew, he's going through his terrible twos at, um, four. 

i asked dave how aiden sat through the messages.  so cute:  apparently, dave was speaking and aiden would raise his hand (as if in school) periodically though the message.  my little boy.

dave allowed aiden to drive the civic all over the campground.  of course, dave was at the wheel with aiden on his lap, but i get a little chuckle to imagining this buzzed head peering over the wheel.  

AND.... aiden made the scoring run during his first kickball game.  ahhhhhhhh..... a proud moment. (i'm not competitive, am i?!?!?!)

during this absence of the campers, drew and i had good bonding time for the most part.  i found out that he still gets incredibly emotional when he misses his nap.  anywho.  a little ditty: during a bath, i asked drew if he was making any friends at the school's daycare.  he said that there was this "cute girl named T** but she's not like the silly girls on tv." 

i said with raised brow, "oh, really?!?!"

drew replied,"yes.  you know those girls that are all 'wiggly'."

i guess he doesn't like dancers.  sorry hannah montana.  i thought drew was a good match for you.  too bad.

cincin-nasti

a good 'ole trip from cincin-nasti to west palm does a body good!  heather's trip was stellar and we had loads of fun.  it was quite funny that her first comment as we're walking through the airport parking garage was, "wow, it's hot here." 

um....  if you can call overcast and slightly drizzling at 85 degrees "hot".  i was secretly thinking that she should just wait until the florida sun was blazing down on her body a little later.  thank goodness monday afternoon did not disappoint.  it was hotter.

heather's baby, micah, was beautiful and looks just like her until she throws you a what-in-the-world-are-you-doing-idiot look.  then she looks like her daddy.  pictures to come at a later post.

considering that heather had 4 hours of sleep friday night, we had a GREAT saturday and lounged around for most of the evening.  sunday was church, sunday night- girls gymnastics (the most important part of the olympics which any girl in her right mind would agree.  dave highly disagrees, but then again-he's not a girl.), monday was puttering around jupiter, and tuesday she flew out.  

she came, she went.  too fast.  

we did have some chuckles along the way.

drew could not remember micah's name and arbitrarily called her "jackson" or even just "him".  poor kid loves babies but can't think past his boy cousin for the life of him.  even if the baby has earrings. 

the boys definitely don't remember spitting up all over me, but they reel back at the slightest bit of baby slobber.  if only they knew what they put me through.  aiden was the worst.  he actually physically starts to gag and we quickly have to shoo him away.  

i think we had a total of 10-12 people point out that we look alike.  uh, yes... we're twins. 

i love the fact that no matter who is visiting who, coffee is always made first thing in the morning.  that always adds to the visit.  my friend, julie holley, also appreciates this little bit of glory in the morning.  that's why she's a friend.  anywho.....

the first morning as we're laying in bed (dave was moved to the couch.  thanks dave! such a sweetie.  then again, usually craig moves for me too.  what great guys.), drew came into snuggle early in the morning and heather had grabbed micah from an early rising.  such sweet bliss to have some kiddos cuddling with us.  drew kissed on micah who apparently LOVES to be pampered.  that's my girl.  :) she also loves baby massages.  she truly knows how to be loved!

a great visit loving on family. more to come.

aiden reads jane austen.....

2 more days until heather arrives!  the countdown continues.....

exciting news is about my dear aiden trace: he is reading as of this week!  the funny part is this was a goal of mine for the summer.  ask me how many times i've REALLY sat down and worked with him.... that would be a big, fat ZERO. (now dave claims that he has, but we all know that's not the truth!!)

as of 2 weeks ago, i took the boys to the library to receive their official library cards.  hey, i am a teacher and figure that's the least i can do for my children.  anywho- we love to read dr. seuss books together (who doesn't?) and drew borrowed "Hop on Pop."  gotta love it.  aiden took so well to it that he read the whole book out loud with just a few helps from mom, the teacher.  

so great.  right before kindergarten, my oldest can officially say he is a beginning reader.  we're practicing every day, twice a day.  i'll admit that i'm looking for the praise from the kindergarten teacher! ha.  maybe even some denari from her check since i've done her job.  either that or she can trade me places and teach the high schoolers.  let's face it: 1 child out of her class is already reading. 

now just to work on drew......

wednesday

3 more days!!! the countdown continues....

i stopped by the school to drop off some bulletin boarders.  i'm starting to get excited about the year.  it's been a great summer though.  sleeping in, doing whatever i want, uh.... is it too early to look forward to christmas break?

off to walmart we go.  i spent $79 on school supplies.  is that a lot?  i was actually thinking it would be closer to $100, so i was pretty impressed.  i'm missing 2 little things so i'm currently giving my inner self a high five for completing that task 2 weeks before school starts.  i know i rock. 

now if i can just hide the school stuff for awhile.  the boys last year ripped into the supplies and i had to shoo them away continually. it's pretty bad. 

did i mention my biggest reason why i'm excited for school?  i lose weight.  that's right: dropping dress sizes.  staying home increase the waste line and going to work drops it.  

so i'm looking forward to being skinny and dumping some knowledge into those high schoolers.   

tuesday

the countdown begins until heather comes to visit: 4 more days!  heather and her daughter, micah, are traveling from cincinnati to jupiter.  i'm pumped to see my niece for the first time since her birth.  too bad i didn't get them direct flights.... oops.  anywho.  at least we have a flight!  i received a voucher when i was bumped from a flight back in march, resulting in a FREE visit from heather!  :)  

i haven't posted since this weekend as this weekend was very busy.  we had a rally at church saturday night and then church on sunday.  this was the first week back in the facility after CRAP literally flowed into the building.  it was nice not having to set everything up but.... very difficult to get out of the house by 6:30 a.m.  i have had a wonderful summer sleeping in to 9-10, so waking up this early has been the pits. :)  i have a headache today from trying to go to sleep earlier last night.  of course, i didn't go to sleep but tossed and turned until the wee hours of the morning.  it didn't help that drew climbed into bed to cuddle with his mommy at 4 a.m.  

movin' on....

monday went pretty well until i took the boys with me to the dentist.  i literally was in the office from 2:45 - 5:30.  the boys were pretty good except for the first 15 minutes in the waiting room and another 15 minute stretch occurring right around 5 p.m.  i was not a happy camper, but i did get to meet the pediatric dentist who i now feel like we're on a first name basis.  (well- we should be after 3 hours of looking at each other.)  did i say that i was there for me, not the boys?  

needless to say, i did not get the cleaning i thought i was going to receive but only x-rays and another appointment for cleaning and... other things. :)  i sheepishly walked over to dave to let him know about my cavity and some other work needed to close some gaps between the teeth , only to find out that he needs WAY more work than me! hahahaha.  1 point for amy.  minus points for dave as his work will cost us roughly 8 times more than mine!!!!

so happy tuesday to all.  the aleve is starting to kick in.....

cleveland flashback

here's some pics from cleveland (1 1/2 years ago. i can't believe it's been that long!) .  we really enjoyed our time there and LOVED the snow.  i personally loved wearing scarfs with my rockin' nine west jacket.  dave also bought me a jacket on sale from ann taylor (brown with the fur).  it's not hard to love that man!!!

this picture was at EASTER!!! look at the snow.  i remember sweating it out in the humid florida air, hiding easter eggs,  and constantly reminding myself (as my hair was fro-ing) that i was serving Jesus.  cleveland was a different story.  who knew that it could snow 6 inches over the easter weekend?!?! not these "flor-idiots".
this was the first playtime in the snow.  i was warm and cozy in the apartment!  
drew's face the day we moved in.  he jumped into the snow, grabbing the white stuff with his bare hands.  he didn't do that again!!! sweet boy. 

aiden and his love for snow angels!  good times.....

new hats

here are the kids sporting new hats from grandma loralee.  thanks grandma!  of course, they go with the whole UM theme of yesterday's party (check the previous post).  the boys think they are the coolest.

on a side note: here's a little taste of what i've been hearing around the house.  dave taught them the important things in life.

"Jesus love the little children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, black and pink......

YOU STINK!!!!!"

and then a chorus of giggles and snorts.

birthday with the fam

can you guess the theme of the party?  rockin'the "U"

teaching them young......

dave and his ghetto attitude (notice the 31.....)

one of the SEVERAL birthday cards they each made daddy.  this is drew's.  it says: "daddy, i love you very, very much." (supposedly- it could also say, "you are the the best daddy in the whole wide world."))

aiden's card: "happy birthday daddy."  

dave's cake of choice is not really a cake.  had a hard time telling the boys that it is really a cookie, not a cake.

daddy and his boys!  dave crashed early in aiden's bed, too.  i heard him snoring early evening.  a good sign: belly full and heart satisfied. :) he loves his boys.

drummer boys

the perks of having a worship leader for your dad: you can play the instruments when you want!  guess what instrument the boys are LOVIN'?!?!?! inside, i'm groaning........

sneak peek

coming home in the car often leaves two tired boys!  we have good laughs at these two crazies.  these are after an afternoon at grams' house.  notice the video aiden is clutching.  thanks for the video and fun, grams!

here's drew with his blanket. this still reminds me of his baby days.....

aiden's photography

as my kids can dive into my purse occasionally, i find new pictures on my camera.  here's some of aiden's latest.  (at least there is a subject in each frame!  he's getting better.  it used to consist of the ceiling and floor....)

the trash can:  look at that angle!  i'm proud.... what can i say?

my purse: note to self, zip it up. 

a little hint of aiden's mischievous nature and unique sense of humor.  he was quite proud of himself. 

pics from janell's shower

the carroll women: me, janell, susan, and rosie.  dave and his brother,dan, both lived with grams (rosie) during college and subsequently met their wives.  we joke about it being "rosie's finishing school: come live here, get a degree, and find a wife."

my new sister: janell.  i wish i took a picture of her shoes!  she definitely has great taste and fun shoes.  this year has been a year of discovery for me and shoes.  i know, it's taken awhile but why would i care about heels when you are chasing around 2 toddlers?

 

happy birthday to dave :)

well, not quite yet.... wednesday to be exact.  i'm toiling over what to make him for dinner.  suggestions?  leave a comment with some ideas.  

on another note: we did go down to west palm to drop the kiddos off at grams.  dave and i went to see batman (wanting to see it on imax but it was sold out) and opted for just the regular screen.  it was definitely a darker movie and not so cut and dry as spiderman.  it is also more evident how little gore and suspense we watch.  (i hid my eyes through several parts.)  garbage in, garbage out.  in any case, i think i was more intrigued with this film being heath ledger's last.  

this weekend was a blast with so much activity.  i'll post pics tomorrow when i have more time. janell's shower and some of the boys, of course.  have i mentioned they are two CRAZY kids?  

one last praise:  looking forward to getting into the church building again.  amen, anyone?  :)

baldies

i recently came back from Student Life Camp (a blast) as i helped chaperone the youth from calvary.  what a wonderful time in worship with chris tomlin and louie giglio.  

anyways, i was enjoying an afternoon with the students as i received a text from dave with a particular picture.  my kids are bald. they look like miniature daves.  what could i do but laugh?!?!?  

apparently, drew begged his dave to have a "cool haircut like his daddy".  and so the shaving began.....

rockin' the PSL

for those who have been out of the loop, dave is the current worship pastor at calvary chapel port st. lucie.  we are LOVING it.  (i would link their website if i knew how.... i still have to mess with some stuff.)  i've been pleasantly surprised with psl.  the area is really booming and there's new construction all over the place.  plus, the housing market is CHEAP and i'm looking forward to moving into a house with a yard.

God has really allowed this past year to be a year of growth and stretching.  it hasn't been the most fun and often has been lonely.  but God is faithful.  what a mighty God we serve.  looking back- i couldn't have imagined God landing us here.  He has truly protected us.  i look back and see how God continued to direct me to Psalm 34 over this past year.  take a look at it and see what promises God gives to those who trust in Him.  

anyways, we love the people on staff and their wives.  the other pastors are humble men whom God has graciously blessed.  the church is currently meeting at a school as reconstruction is being completed in the old facility. (crap flooded the facility: literally.)  even in this move, the church continues to grow and thrive. 

if you are in the port st. lucie area, come and join us.  we have a blast and dig deep into God's Word.  the current series is on the book of Philippines (my personal fav). 

don't forget to check out Ps. 34. 

new dress and shoes

so i had my new shopping buddy (aka: Dave) come to marshalls with me.  now to let you know.... i hate marshalls.  you can include tj max and ross in with marshalls too.  i get so worn out searching and searching for clothes that fit correctly.  i would rather go to a store that i know i LOVE and just buy stuff on sale.  for instance: i love ann taylor loft.  wonderful store.  clothes look great and are cheap when on the sale rack.  i digress

i always here how great these stores are from my mother-in-law and now my new sister-in-law (janell! welcome to the family!!!).  so i'm in hunt for a new dress for janell's bridal shower.

here's my new dress for $15, a steal, and new shoes from macy's.  i'm slowly learning.....

bloggity blog

so here we go.  i've been a secret stalker for several months-reading this blog and that.  i've been encouraged spiritually by several blogs, which i'm sure that i'll link here.  quite amazing christians in their own walks with Christ.  anyways, i thought this would be a great spot to load pics of the kids and give updates on our family.