Summer Summer Summertime

Okay it's not officially the summer season, but we have started our summer full force.

Karson's last day of school was last Friday. We missed out on the "last week of school" activities last year because of our Disney trip. It was nice watching all the kids receive their awards this year. Karson took home the Outstanding P.E. Student award (which is an honor because each of the "specials" teachers just chooses 1 boy and 1 girl per class). She also received the Ravenous Reader and Wonderful Writer awards. Karson ranked 94 percent on the STAR national reading and is reading at the level of a 3rd grader after 6 months of school. Whoo Hoo!!!

I also love reading Karson's journals that she brings home at the end of the year. I assume the kids write in them daily. My favorite page is the one below:

It says:
My family is great.
My brother is funny.
My other brother is cute.
My dad is lazy.
My is strong. (I'm thinking it was supposed to say MOM)
I am smart!

*HAH--I thought it was funny that she said Matt is lazy. Matt didn't think it was as funny =).

We have already been to Beech Bend four times. The kids ask to go daily!!! It's actually one of the first years that I don't feel stressed out about going. I'm able to sit and watch them enjoy it. The FREE soft drinks this year is AWESOME! I guess they are trying to compete with Holiday World??? No chance. Beech Bend is close to my heart. In fact, I do believe I rode some of the rides that my kids are riding (yes, some are that old). I made the mistake of riding the swings a few visits ago. Oh my, I thought I would die. And to top things off, a kid barfed right in front of me.

Good thing the kids have stomachs of steel. They rode the Flying Bobs over and over again. If Isaac had a choice though, he would spend his entire time at Beech Bend at the Petting Farm. He lovesssss the baby goats.

One of the nice things about the spring/summer season are weddings. Matt and I fortunate when (he is) asked to be a part of one. Matt performed a ceremony on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for a couple at church. I haven't been to any outdoor wedding that I can think of, but it would be SUPER hard for anyone to top this one. It was like a picture out of Southern Living magazine. Everything was gorgeous, from the table linens to the barn decor. I asked my talented friend Melissa D. to snap some family pics. for us. I wish I had color coordinated better because I thought the pictures turned out beautifully.

Karson and her friend Chase boogey-ing on the dance floor!!!

We spent Sunday afternoon (of Memorial weekend) at Nolin Lake. Oh yeah! I have logged many hours on Nolin Lake. Our kids are more familiar with Barren River because it's close to BG, but hopefully, they can make some fun memories at Nolin too.

I love the simple, inexpensive things that capture our kids attention. They love getting codes out of the Baby Bottle Pops and using them on the website (total cost at IGA is $1.49). GROW sea animals are always a hit and making me a Dollar General fan (total cost $1). And, last but not least, Silly Bandz have taken over our house. Who knew $4.99 could make a child's day??? Good stuff!!!

I had to put this picture in here. Very rarely does Miles get to play with kids who are his age. I guess when you're the 3rd child, you think and act like your older siblings and always want to be around them (and their friends). I want Miles to have some exposure to his peer group prior to starting preschool this fall. I invited a handful of his pals over for a playdate yesterday morning. His friends Zoe and Lydia came over. This is Miles and Lydia doing YOGA. They are just the cutest!! I'm looking forward to many more playdates with his buddies.

Hodge Podge Post with a Popourri of Pics.

Isaac graduated from Greenwood Park E.E.P. on Monday night. I could hardly keep a straight face when he walked in with a HUGE lamb hat on. The kids act out Nursery Rhymes at the beginning of the show. Isaac was the lamb in "Mary Had a Little Lamb." He did a fabulous job following Mary all over the stage. Once all the kids perform, they leave the auditorium (change out of costumes) and come back in for their program. I wish I could get some pictures of the show, but my camera simply doesn't do well with the lighting in the auditorium. I did get two pictures afterwards. One with his teacher Ms. Denise and one with me. Miles was well-done mid-program and ready to get home so Matt had him in the van post show. The program started at 7 p.m. which is late for my little man. Isaac's only request for graduating was a LEGO. I thought that was a fair request. I have a feeling the 12th grade request will cost more than $10.96 and won't be available at Wal-Mart.

My talented friend Melissa DeVries took spring pictures at EEP. I wish I could pull Karson out of school for this but simply cannot come up with a valid reason for her missing half a day just for pictures. I did manage to snag some adorable pictures of the boys though. I would love to do some photos this summer of all of us--we desperately need some updated family pictures.

Softball and baseball seasons have officially begun. About as soon as I got each of the kids ball schedules penciled into my calendar, the rain MONSOON began. With the first schedule, I was loving the fact that I would be able to attend all of the ballgames (with amazingly NO conflicts with other events). What was even nicer, almost every one of Karson's games were scheduled at Phil Moore Park, and Isaac's were at Cumberland Trace. Both fields are less than five minutes from our house--give me a glass of sweet tea and a lawn chair b/c I'm in heaven kind-of-thing. BUT, the world's BEST scheduling came crashing down in flames when the rain began. NOW, not only are we playing on field's that are 30 minutes from our house, but most of our games are on Wednesday nights. I know the commissioners did what they had to do to make the season work, but I'm quite bummed with the new schedules.
At any rate, I love watching my 1st grader play. The 8 and under league is no nonsense, these girls came to PLAY! Karson is one of the younger ones on the team--I believe some of the girls are in 3rd grade (quite a difference mentally and physically). However, my Karson is blessed with the athletic gene if she could just gain more self-confidence. The girl can smack the ball. Fielding, on the other hand, is a different story. She has what I like to call SPASTIC GIRL SYNDROME. She jumps around and waves her hands in the air like some crazy person when she gets excited. She did it in basketball too. Not sure what that's all about, but it's funny to watch. I'll try to get it on video for your viewing enjoyment sometime.

I wish I could say that watching my character Isaac play was exciting, but let's be honest, these games move very slow. There are a handful of kids that make contact with the ball, and each one of them gets six pitches. They only play two innings most of the time. Whereas, Karson plays about five or six with three outs or five runs. I know that they can't do that in Isaac's league, but the kids lose interest really fast (I imagine the fans do too). And, one thing I know for sure, is that little boys need LOTS of action. Heck, big boys need LOTS of action too. But, hey, it's a learning experience right. I hear people say that they don't want to push their kids into organized sports, yadda, yadda, yadda...I totally want to push my kids into organized sports. Why, you ask, because it's CHEAP, it teaches them about teamwork, it gives them exercise, they get a uniform and trophy, it lasts a couple of months, and most importantly, it give us a chance to spend loads of money at overpriced concession stands, why else???

Here's my man # 1 Deaton, up at bat. My big man, Daddy Matt, is the coach. Look at that pitching form, A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Miracle Mike

Thursday morning started off like any other in the Deaton household, a MAD rush to get everyone ready and out the door by 8 a.m. I was especially excited about preschool because it was BIKE DAY which is always a fun time. The morning came and went quickly. My friend (and co-worker) Betsy told me that my sister wanted me to call her when school was over. I was thinking...hmmm, maybe she called mom and asked her to keep the boys longer so she and I could go out and eat =). With about 10 minutes left at school, I saw her van pull up (we were outside on the playground with the kids). To my surprise, Isaac and Miles were with her. As she approached, I could tell something wasn't quite right. With tears in her eyes, she told me that mom had left for Louisville because my uncle Mike had a massive stroke and most likely wouldn't make it. Once I wrapped up the day at school and got my boys wrangled up, the waterworks began. My uncle Mike, 55, never married, has no children and is the world's BEST human being. He would do anything for anyone. I just couldn't imagine life without him. Matt and I made babysitting arrangements for the kids and headed to Louisville that afternoon. The scene in the CCU at a hospital is enough to make anyone emotional, but it was especially emotional seeing my grandparents and mother. My Memaw just broke down when she saw us. Mike was there but not there if you know what I mean. Matt and I talked to him, stroked his arms and hair. He had his eyes open the whole time and tears flowed as we spoke to him. Well, the day came in went. Floods of visitors were in and out the whole day. The CCU team kept scolding us about how many people kept coming in and out. Something you should know about Mike is that he had a stroke seven years ago. At that time, the doctors found a hole in his heart. His heart was functioning at 20% and normal is 60-65%. The doctors were amazed that Mike had lived that long with such a low functioning heart. They recommended a heart transplant at the time which he refused. He said, "if I get someone else's heart, that means they died." We knew that something like this could eventually happen again, and it did on Thursday. At about 10 p.m., the decision was made to take Mike off the ventilator. He had written a living will and did not want to be kept alive via life support. All of us gathered around Mike, holding hands and prayed and cried. Your heart tells you one thing but reality (and medical science) tells you another--I knew this would be the last time I would see my uncle. Matt and I decided to come on back to Bowling Green that night. We got home around 1 a.m. and crashed after an incredibly emotional day.

I woke up Friday morning in a fog and started crying again knowing that my uncle didn't make it through it the night. Matt called my dad to see what was going on. He said, "at 2:30 in the morning...(we assumed he would say Mike passed) Mike started smiling and looking around. And, this morning, things are even better with his vitals, and he even knows the names of people." WHAT!!! I immediately emailed Karson's teacher and told her that she would NOT BE at school today. We needed to get to Louisville ASAP. We got the kids in the van and got up there as quickly as possible. I had taken my camera the night before, but it didn't seem appropriate to take a photo under the circumstances. BUT, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to document this day and had a photo snapped of him (and the one of him with his parents, at the top of the blog). We had to come back home Friday afternoon because Isaac had a ballgame, but Mike's prognosis was looking better and better. Over the weekend, he has made great strides in his recovery--reading, walking, talking, eating, recognizing everyone and remembering. He is a WALKING, TALKING MIRACLE. As of today, his short term memory is poor--but, HEY, mine is too! Plus, an amnesia drug is administered to anyone in his circumstance who has experienced extreme trauma. As all the medicines leave his system, he is starting to feel pain in his chest and breathing. Those of us that have had epidurals can totally relate to the pain felt when that wears off. His MRI is still inconclusive which is normal. And, he will be getting a defibrillator put in Wednesday. Please pray for my Uncle Mike--we are truly grateful for all the people who have been lifting him up!!!

Another Chapter Closes

Isaac has grown up this year. He's slowly becoming a young man. I have seen so many changes (especially in his maturity). This time last year, I couldn't even go check the mailbox without him noticing I wasn't in the house. He would get frightened and start crying. I knew that 4 year old preschool would help, and it has. Ms. Denise has been an excellent teacher. I have no doubt that Isaac is 100% ready for kindergarten. In fact, he is a whole lot farther along academically than Karson was at his age. He can do simple math, recognizes many words, and has quite a memory. He's fortunate having an older sister who has taught him most of it. His graduation program is on Monday night at Greenwood Park, sniff, sniff--I can't believe this school year is coming to a close.

I have to post my class spring picture for memories sake. I feel like I say this every year, but I truly have the BEST bunch of little one's this year in the 3 year old program. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, smarter, more loving class. Of course with great kids, come great parents (and grandparents), and there is no shortage of those this year either. Everytime I've needed help, they are THERE. They are so generous with their time and shower me with nice compliments and things. I love these families and are going to miss seeing these sweet faces in the fall.

Skimmies FUN

While mom and dad are away, the kids will play! Matt and I were lucky enough to be one of the first guests at the opening of Olive Garden in BG this afternoon. We dined like royalty (thanks to a gift card from a friend for my bday). I could seriously drink a gallon of their Bellini peach tea. In fact, I'm going to google the drink recipe when I finished with this blog =). I don't mind taking the kids to fast food kid-friendly joints; however, nice sit down restaurants are avoided if possible. Kids + fine dining = uneaten, overpriced food and wiggle worms that can be LOUD. Matt called his brother Ben to see if he'd keep the kids while we dined in peace. Thanks BEN!!! When we got back home, the REAL fun began. The kids were knee deep in the low water in our front yard from the rain this weekend. Our neighbors Mia and Laila joined the kids in their splashing, and the DeVries boys were also over enjoying the fun!!! It was a fabulous end to a gorgeous day.

Two laundry cycles and OxiClean didn't help with this muddy shirt. Looks like we'll be tie dying it =)!!!

Isaac, as always, ended up in his skimmies. These skimmies are extra special because they are cut HIGH and expose the "goodies" if you know what I mean.

Anything Isaac does, Miles is sure to follow...he, too, stripped down to his skimmies. Mia and Laila seemed completely unphased by their exhibitionist neighbors, but I'm sure there will be a day the boys will be mad that I let them run around in the buff around their "girl"friends.

DIY Projects and Other Stuff

There's a whole lotta projects going on around the Deaton homestead. What is it about getting tax money back that inspires you to spend it instantly??? I'm a DIY kind of girl. I especially love painting projects. Painting transforms things. Here are some of our current projects:

PROJECT ONE:
We recently "renovated" the boys bedroom but absolutely NO PART of me wanted to paint. We got them metal bunk beds about a year ago and have had miss-matched furniture and comforters in their room. I was more than ready for a room makeover this spring. I found them matching comforters at Wal-Mart and decided to pull two different shades of gray out for paint color. Isaac's artwork displayed for your viewing pleasure. He will happily decorate any wall and print out full color pages from your computer printer for FREE, Any takers???

Matt volunteered for the paint job and made the walls look fabulously gray--really gray is not my color but it looks great with the black/silver metal bunks. I also wanted to do something different with their clothing storage. I wanted something multi-functional and knew if I bought a matching piece of furniture, it would be co$tly and non useful in the future. I opted for a garage storage unit and plastic bins.

PROJECTS TWO, THREE and FOUR:

Crackle spray painting kitchen/bathroom knobs, light fixtures and flower pots. Who knew you could spray paint brass? No offense to you brass lovers out there, but I cannot stand it. It's amazing how a can of $6 rustoleum can makeover brass. I had almost a whole can leftover and decided to repaint my flower pots.

PROJECT FIVE:
Oh brother, Karson is now getting even harder homework. I'm not trying to complain because I applaud the school in their efforts in helping children work at their academic level; however, the last thing Karson feels like doing when she gets home (from an 8 hour work day) is homework. I can't say that I blame her. I mean, after all, she is 7. On top of the new homework which, by the way, consists of choosing five different tasks along with spelling work and reading are things such as: make up a new story with the same characters, write two (+ or -) word problems and showing answers with pictures and a number sentence, write addition facts for 18 and 19, and so and so forth, she has a project due in May. The project asks the kids to pick something living or non-living and tell five facts about it on a poster, in a diorama or triorama. Each child has to pick something different. I'm thinking Karson might pick something simple like a flower, fruit, or cat/dog. She picked AFRICAN ELEPHANT.

At first she wanted to do a diorama, but I convinced her to do a poster since we don't own an AFRICAN ELEPHANT. I love her creativity.

PROJECT SIX:
I couldn't help but blog about our brand new carpet again.

I love it and cannot wait to recover the kids room this fall. Why the fall, you ask? I feel like it would be a good time with two kids in school and we can save up some money due to this project...

PROJECT SEVEN:
I saved the best project for last. We're putting a cover over our back patio. The sun blazes down in our backyard which a sun LOVER like me adores, but I don't like it for the kids and spending time outdoors in the summer. Our patio furniture and grill have suffered from the elements and need to be replaced. I didn't want to fork out the money to replace them though knowing that they would be ruined. Granted, we've had our current set (and grill) now for 10 years, but I want something nice and pretty.

My parents hired a general contractor Grayson Young to cover their back porch a few years back and highly recommended him. I called about three weeks ago, got plans drawn up, contract signed and deposit paid--and viola...the project began on Monday.

I made the mistake and told Miles that we were getting a porch swing. He has asked every single day if the swing is finished yet??? We are all very excited about our mini-addition. Hopefully, everyone can come out for a barbeque when it's complete!!!

What We've Been Up To

Karson began softball practice with her team on Monday nights. She also has it on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. We've opted out of the Wednesday night practices due to church and overall tiredness =).

Isaac also began practicing on Monday nights and also on Saturday mornings. Matt decided to tackle the HEAD coach position. Part of me wishes I was helping coach Karson's team. It really is fun being out there with the girls and watching them learn and grow as players. However, basketball took a lot out of me and was quite a commitment and I have sweet MILES with me at all times. Speaking of, Miles is so down-in-the-dumps Eeore-ish about not getting to play baseball. He sadly says, "when I get bigger, then I'll get to pway. I wish I could pway too." Matt pitches to him in our backyard, and that seems to pacify him for now.

Most of you know that our Karson is a brainiac. The girl has been reading chapter books since last year. She's grown fond of Ron Roy and his A-Z mystery series. Her class recently wrote to their favorite authors, and of course, she chose Ron. At the beginning of each week the class is tested on the spelling words for that Friday. If they pass, they get a completely different set of words. She always comes home with the different ones and has to: write a sentence, put them in ABC order and write each one three times. We try to get this done by Tuesday or Wednesday (the sooner, the better in our busy house). I got a pedicure on Wednesday which Karson fell in love with. I got to use my gift certificate to SOHO that my students got me for my birthday. I told Karson that if she got 100% on her spelling test on Friday, I'd take her in and have hers done. She immediately told me, "well, I'll take it online and ran to the computer to show me that she could pass it." Her teacher uses a site called spellingcity where the kids can practice online. It's neat!!! She, of course, passed it. BUT, I told she still had to pass on Friday.

Surprise, surprise she got 100% like always, but I try to challenge her =). I registered Isaac at Plano last Monday. All I can say is MY KIDS ARE GROWING UP QUICKLY. I knew this would happen, but it doesn't seem possible that I could already have two in school. And, Miles will start preschool--so I'll actually have THREE in school. Life sure will be different come August 3rd.