Drew's graduation

It's really summer and I am such a slacker! Really, we've been running from one thing to another and just loving the break.

BUT: I need to show pics that Drew DID pass kindergarten with straight E's (excellent). WAHOO!!! I never thought this day would come. This year has been crazy.

A pic of the proud parents. :) You can't tell but we were practically sharing one seat. Apparently, every parent wants to see their proud graduate. Who knew?!?!?!

Drew's class. Confession time: I don't know half these kids. This class was crazy and it grated on my anal self. So I spent more time in Aiden's class. Better luck next year....

I did miss Jupiter Christian especially on this day. JCS has such a wonderful graduation ceremony with full cap and gown. (Yes, it costs about $70 some compared to this measly $3 cheap-o cap.) Renaissance has 10 full kindergarten classes which rotate graduation times in a small cafeteria. ***Sigh***

But the deed is done and it is SUMMER!!!! YAY!

Randomness and Haiti

A little ramblings:

But first-some pics!

Drew is growing bigger and bigger. No longer a squeaky little voice. Almost done with Kindergarten! WAHOO!!!

But he's still our fun-loving middle child. He's his mother's child, what can I say.

Drew with Dax. Dax is now 6 months old and weighs close to 26 lbs. WOW. People ask me how I hold him. Well, I don't. Not for any length of time without sitting down. :) But we get plenty of cuddle time on the floor or in the rocking chair. What a sweet baby.

Dax just started baby food this week and is still getting a hang of it. He definitely prefers 'real' food over the canned baby stuff. (Who wouldn't?!?!)

I was digging through the bib drawer which houses about 50 bibs (no lie) and came across this one. I can't remember which baby this was originally given to, but I believe Heather gifted it to either Jackson, Aiden , or Drew. Love it.

Other news: Dave is heading to Haiti this Sunday night and won't be back until Thursday. He's traveling with 3 other guys from the church to scope out a couple ministries down there. One in which is an orphanage. I think Dave's a little apprehensive since he's never been out of the country. (I laughed just for my family's sake....hahaha!) I expect God to do some great things in the hearts of the men who are going. How can you not be impacted by the sights and sounds (and smells) of a third world nation?

Anyways, prayers are obviously appreciated. :) I look forward to spending some time listening to Dave talk on Thursday night/Friday morning as he digests the trip.

Tomorrow is also another day full of prayer as teams are hitting Port St. Lucie to participate in servant evangelism. I'm expecting God to do some great things tomorrow through the people of the church.

Talk about God doing great things, a friend of mine had one of her friends accept Christ this past Sunday. So neat. This girl has been coming to Financial Peace University and finally attended a service this last weekend. She prayed to receive Christ and has commented that this week has been a week of great peace. AWESOME.

This is the reason why we do what we do: to see people impacted by Christ. LOVE IT!!!

Time to party

It's over and it was fun!!! I can't believe how many people we had at the house. Had to over 100 crazy Floridians in this heat. One of my friends took pics and I'll try to get them up soon. I need a new version of iphoto or something. So we'll see.

We rented 2 bounce houses, had one HUGE slip 'n slide with tons of soap, and a little slip 'n slide for the little guests. Add some water balloons and shaving cream.... ahhhhh, the life. Plus one youth pastor veteran: Dave Carroll. He is crazy, did ya know?!?!? He even had some of the other men join him on the slip 'n slide.

Just from talking to Dave and my dad, it seemed like the objective was reached: to gather a mess of unchurched and churched together and let God work. Dad had the opportunity to talk to another father about raising children in love. Dave had the chance to talk to several about the Lord too. So neat.

But the coolest thing to me was Aiden's prayer right before we cut the cake. Dave leaned down and asked him in his ear if he would like to pray, and Aiden said yes.

What a prayer from my 7 year old. In the back of my mind, I was hoping he wouldn't say something about how he wished he would get tons of money or something! But he didn't.

He said something to the effect of thanking the Lord for all the people that came and for the opportunity to worship God. So awesome. It was truly a time where everyone was focused as he prayed loudly and unashamedly. Afterwards, the crowd murmured a quiet 'wow' and then broke into applause.

If people left and just had a taste of what God is like through my little boy.... then AWESOME.

On a lighter note, we had plenty of food and goodie bags. I asked God ahead of time to multiply and divide. He did! We had just enough of everything.

Thanks for those who were praying with us. We're looking forward to the next time we can do something like this. :)

fire alarm

I know it's been awhile since I've posted and part of that has been intentional as school is closing quickly. Plus, naps are in the agenda too! I really haven't had nausea or vomiting with this pregnancy but I've been extremely tired and had frequent headaches.

So today was quite eventful at school. Our school hosts an Art Festival each year as students from the county's private schools have pieces on display. I took my English classes down, at the request of the Art teacher, so that the students can see some of the displays.

It's such a wonderful festival and very organized too. There aremany activities: a professional sidewalk-chalk artist, upper ele. students performing folk dances, popsicles, and fun for all.

In the midst of all the organized chaos, we hear a distant bell of the fire alarm. That's strange. Usually fire alarms are announced ahead of time to the teachers for preparation.

I lead my class out to the field and we stand there for the 10 minutes.... extra distractions since the festival is going on and all fun had to stop momentarily.

Walking back to my class after the drill is released, I talked to an office worker who said it was probably a preschool student who pulled the alarm.

Um.... I have a preschooler....

5 minutes later, the president of the school came by and confirmed THAT IT WAS INDEED DREW who pulled the alarm!!!! She said it was so funny to see him on the video, testing out the handle, pulling it, and then trying to get it to stop.

Here's the cool thing though: when asked if he did it, he confessed that it was he. Now, I know that It's not a good thing to go around pulling alarms, AND he is a 4 year old, inquisitive boy. But I am so proud that he told the truth and did not lie. We've been working on that at home, making sure that he confesses when he does something wrong.

So here's to the truth-telling rebel..... love you babe.

"U" is for underwear

An interesting day:

Aiden and Drew had a program at school today in which they sang two different songs.  The preschool and kindergarten were dressed in hawaiian print shirts with leis adorned.  

Cute. Fun. Memorable. 

At the end of the school day, I went to pick Drew up first from aftercare only to get a full rundown about how Drew was put into timeout. 

OK, shoot.  Tell me the details.

Apparently, Drew yelled out to Dave, "Hey, Dad!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!"

Not the most socially acceptable thing to yell out in front of a room full of adults.  (Let me preface: neither Dave and I heard the comment even though we were present at the event.)  Drew's teacher obviously did not appreciate this bit of news.

Dave and I, however, think this is HILARIOUS as it truly shows the humor in our family.  You see, these letter bags are a constant thorn in our flesh.  For more than a year, we (Dave and myself) have been filling these weekly bags with objects that start with the letter assigned for that week.  We fulfilled this obligation all last year and has continued through this year with Drew in preschool. Unnerving. Annoying.... insert other random adjectives that describe mundane tasks parents are forced to endure.

This week's letter is "U."  Dave explained to me how the boys had a discussion about what to put in the "U" bag, leaving the suggestion of 'underwear' a laughter ensuing example.  

Only, little did Dave know that Aiden did indeed put underwear in Drew's bag. Can you blame Drew for shouting this observation out to the whole world?  

"Hey, Dad!!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!" 

Totally deserving of the time-out. Kudos to my 4-year old.  That is truly funny. 

snow day

SNOW DAY!!! This is what we Floridians call snow: shaved ice. The boys had a great time with classmates enjoying the snow.  I think they had more fun with their Daddy, personally. 

The preparation...

Drew chucking snow at Dave. 

Aiden and his daddy.

Dave held Aiden in the hose and had him drenched!!! I was a little slow with camera and only captured the end.  Those who know Aiden know that he was not so pleased with the shot of snow to the face!

Drew looking to throw one at Mommy. 

Drew chasing Dave. 

We had a blast!  I'm so thankful Dave has a job where he has some freedom to come and make snow day.  By the way, my family in Ohio thinks this is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.  They can't believe what they are seeing. Well, seeing is believing.  We pay for snow.

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. 

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!  

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. 

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 :)