Catch Up with Miles

March is always a special month for me mainly because the winter season is closing out. I'm thankful Punxsutawney Phil and the Farmer's Almanac predicted this early spring. Miles has been asking if he can get in the sprinkler since DECEMBER so we were actually able to break it out on Friday when the weather almost reached 80 degrees. He was in heaven.

CATCH UP WITH MILES: these days Miles mainly talks about Mia our neighbor (who is Isaac's age and in kindergarten). He's always wondering what she's up to? if she's at home? when she will get home? if she's outside? if she's thinking of him (hah, not really)? He is smitten with an older woman. Funny thing is, is that she has a sister Laila who is his age but I'm not sure if he's ever met her (or knows she exists). Mia has his heart.

We love our neighbors. We had Mia's family over on Thursday night for a cook out. It happened to be Dave's birthday so we were able to celebrate with them. Jennie and I have been planning arranged marriages between our children--I believe Miles will be okay with that.

Miles had his first official birthday party invite this month. He was invited to a Star Wars party by some twin boys in his preschool class Johnathan and Tyler. He loved getting to go to their house and spending time playing with his peers. Speaking of birthdays, he has already planned out his 5th birthday which will take place at Meme's. The theme is Superman (I'm not sure I've EVER heard him talk about Superman). He's already made the guest list and I'm invited.

Miles had a playdate with another classmate Luke who came over to our house last Wednesday. They had the best time. I love how innocent children are. Luke and Miles were jumping on the trampoline and Miles was sticking his behind up in the air and Luke was pinching it and the cackling began. Funny things like that just make my day. His conversations with Luke were funny too. I heard him ask "Luke, do you like to eat food?" and "Luke do you snore?" to which Luke replied no and Miles proceeded with "well what do you do at night?" I love how he communicates with his buddies and am lucky that I get to witness his conversations at school. He says the funniest things like "Thanks Trapper for sitting next to me at snack."

On the school front, Miles is different from my other two kids in the fact that he seems to understand that preschool is a part of his life--he never complains about going and has never asked to be in my class at school. He seems to enjoy being there. However, (it may be un-parentlike to say this) he isn't my most academic kid at this point. The other two kids picked up on all the skill sets so quickly. I don't remember working HARD with them on learning numbers, opposites, counting, alphabet, etc. They just absorbed these things. Miles hasn't or he's fooling me. I have no doubt that he is capable and may very well KNOW these things but WILL NOT tell me. SO, I'm forced to resort to bribery. Yeah, yeah, you know we ALL do it.

Miles loves playing Mortal Kombat on the ol' Nintendo 64 which normally resides in our attic. A couple weeks ago, he asked if we could get it down so he could play it. I admit I LOVED playing Mortal Kombat as a kid and maybe it's not the BEST game for a 4 year old, but he loves it. Back to the bribe...I told Miles we could get it down when he told me his numbers 1-10. You would think I was asking him to recite the states, their capitals and all the presidents. But, I'm happy to say, we have periodically worked on these over the course of a couple of weeks. I've made flashcards, purchased iPad apps., etc. Like I said, I don't know if he simply doesn't get it or simply isn't interested (I'm guessing the latter). At any rate, he now knows 1-10. I would love to start on the alphabet but am really dreading it. I may have to make him watch the Letter Factory in the van over and over.

It has been a blessing spending 1 on 1 time with my baby. I know he's grown up much quicker than the other two kids--he's had to adjust to many, many things. And, most of the time, he handles it with the best attitude. This spring he is signed up to play tee ball, and the other two kids decided they didn't want to play. I have to admit I'm happy about that. I'm excited that he has something that is ALL his. And, they can go to his games and cheer him on for a change. I'll be posting some pictures of his ball experience on here soon!

Not the Only Girl at Her Table

Karson will no longer be the "outcast" at her table at school. Let me back up and explain, a couple of weeks ago, Karson and I were in the van coming home from a birthday party one afternoon when she made the following statement. "Mom, I want to ask you something but know you're going to say 'no'." Needling her I said, "What, you want to go and get your ears pierced? Why, sure, we can do that." **I've asked Karson periodically throughout her life if she's wanted to do this and she NEVER has and has been pretty adamant about it, even stating one time that she will NOT get them pierced until she is 10. ** Back to the conversation...she said, "Well, yes I want to get my ears pierced but that's not what I was asking." She was wanting to go over to MeMe's house and spend the night =). This opened the door for me to ask her about the ear piercing which led to a story about how she's the only girl at her table at school who doesn't have her ears pierced, etc.--peer pressure, such a wonderful thing (actually, there is ONE other little girl that doesn't have them done--guess she'll be flying solo now). I explained to her that we probably needed to wait until basketball was over since she would have to wait six weeks to remove the earrings and you cannot wear earrings (unless covered up) playing basketball. She was cool with that, and it gave her some time to build her confidence up. Well, the basketball season ended last week and today was the BIG day. Fortunately, Lisa G. hooked us up with some prescription ear numbing cream that she and my sister have used on their little girls ear piercings. This stuff must be miraculous because it numbs the ear and piercing is a snap.

We met MeMe at Clarie's around 11 and so it began. There was a little baby in front us (let the wailing begin) and then it was our turn. We decided to go with Karson's birthstone which is light pink. I was shocked to get a smile out of Karson when she sat in the chair--I know she was nervous and so was I. BUT, I am happy to report that the piercing went wonderfully and she's sporting some beautiful sparklers.

The nice thing about MeMe's is the spoiling that comes with big events. MeMe got her all kinds of goodies to get her collection started. I thought Karson's earring choices were funny: a pair of hot dogs, robots and chocolate dipped strawberries. I do LOVE her earring caddy--C-UTE!

A nice way to spend a rainy morning. We went to Fazoli's for lunch and Culver's for ice cream. I love spending "girl time" with my girl. It's great having a daughter!!!

The Mis-Adventures of Dr. Seuss

Unless you're from another planet (or don't have a child in school), this week is all about honoring Dr. Seuss and his quirky children's books. I believe Wednesday was Read Across America Day and the actual birthday. Plano along with many other schools (or so I've seen via facebook pictures) are having Dr. Seuss week. Plano's week consisted of: Monday - crazy sock day, Tuesday - hat day, Wednesday - WACKY, Thursday - pajama day and today is the costume parade.

Karson enjoyed WACKY Wednesday more this year than she has in the past.

Complete with Snuggie Blankie, funky make-up and mismatched clothes....

hair straight on one side and wavy on the other

and mismatched shoes.
Shoot, I feel like I look like this most days =).

When she got on the van Wednesday after school, I said "Karson, did many kids in your class dress up?" To which she replied, "No." I guess that's 3rd grade for ya--to cool for wackiness.


The challenge began on Wednesday afternoon when Karson decided what she wanted to be in the costume parade. In kindergarten, she was Thing 2, in 1st grade, the Grinch and this year she decided to be a Star Bellied Sneetch. I'm sure for the average "crafty" mom, this costume would be a cinch. But, considering I got a 'C' in 8th grade home economics for sewing my apron strap to my clothes and for confusing baking soda with baking powder, this task took A LOT of brainstorming.



I knew we would need bright yellow clothes which, of course, we don't have. And, I didn't figure yellow clothes would be easy to find so I knew we'd have to find white clothes to dye. We sure did luck out at Wal-Mart and found a solid white sweatshirt on clearance for $2 and a pair of white leggings. However, they were out of Goldenrod Rit dye which meant Karson and I would need to go to Hobby Lobby. BTW, I didn't mention that we were pressed for time in all this running around.



(Side note: Isaac hasn't been feeling since last Saturday. He's been complaining of a belly ache. I picked him up early from school on Tuesday because they called and said he had a fever, but when I got him home and took his temperature on two different digital thermometers, nada. I took his temp. throughout the day and never got a fever reading. Weird. I assumed it could be something viral because besides complaining of stomach stuff and a mild cough and runny nose, he hasn't had any real significant. I decided to keep him out of school on Wednesday and take him to the doctor. Dr. Chris checked and even tested him for strep but nothing. Again, pretty sure he has something viral. He didn't go to church that night and fell asleep at 6:40 and slept until 7 a.m. the next morning. I figured it would be okay to send him to school as he got plenty of rest but emailed his teacher to let her know to call me if he started feeling bad. And, she did, around 11 and said she could tell he wasn't feeling well. She said she was concerned because the little girl who sits next to him had been out for a couple days with a stomach virus and the #2's. Yikes. I picked him up and kept him home yesterday but decided to send him today. Got a phone call at 10 from the school saying that Isaac had a mild temp and had been in the bathroom a couple of times this morning. Needless to say, my mind hasn't been on Seussical stuff this week.)






My point in that side note is that I haven't had a whole lot of free time this week. I was counting on helping Karson come up with a costume on Thursday afternoon but Matt had a meeting after school and a meeting that evening which only left about an hour and half to run around and get supplies. We really lucked out with all of our finds. I was able to get the rest of my supplies (dye, felt, glue) at Hobby Lobby. When we finally got back home and started dying the clothes, I quickly realized that we didn't have ENOUGH dye =(. And, Matt was leaving for his meeting which meant a trip BACK in town with ALL THREE kids. The boys were in no mood for an errand which made it extra fun. Oh, the things we do for our kids.


When we FINALLY got back home, got the outfit dyed, washed, dried, got felt cut out and glued, viola...the final product. I must say I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out. If we'd had more time to plan, I could've probably done a cool head piece, but the cool yellow boa gave it some girlish features.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!


Had to post this picture and found a way to tie it into my blog. I've decided this little squirrel could be one of the pets in "Oh, the Pets You Can Get." OR, since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has made a big come back in our house, maybe it's one of the trained squirrels from the movie. Either way, I thought it was a very cute picture--glad it used our swing to enjoy breakfast.

OH Happy DAY

Oh happy day, Oh happy day when Jesus washed my sins away. Praise God my daughter Karson was baptized at church today. Two of our members were baptized last Wednesday night, and as we were coming home from witnessing that, Karson told Matt that she wanted to talk to him in private. After talking with her, Matt came and told me that Karson wanted to be baptized. I, of course, was more skeptical--she's only 8 years old. I said, "Matt I think she's to young." Then, I decided to go and talk to her about it and see what she had to say to me. She told me in her most mature, 8 year old way that she wanted to be special and do it because Jesus did it. I was pretty impressed with that answer. I talked with our children's minister about it the next day and she said, "Tiffany, let her do it." She also said the most important thing for her to understand is what it means afterwards. That's all I needed to hear. I was baptized at 13 and Matt at 15, but our daughter was TODAY at age 8. Karson is incredibly bright (and, there was NO talking her out it--she had her mind made up), and I believe with all my heart she did out of complete obedience to God. **Side note, what's even neater is that she was able to share her baptism with another member of our church named William Fondaw. He's been coming for a couple of weeks from a half-way house close to church. What a testament of faith for him (a) to become a follower of Christ and attend church regularly (b) to become a BAPTIZED follower of Christ and (c) to try and change his life for the better. WOW, very happy for William also.

It's FRIDAY

I know, I know, I didn't post anything about our Valentine's Day but trust me NO ONE was slighted least of all the kids.

Check out their loot. Karson received a necklace from a boy NOT in her class. I thought that was more interesting than she apparently did. I can't say that I blame the boy, Karson is definitely a stunning gal (I'm partial I know). Isaac got a papermade flower with a hand written "I love you Isaac". I'm not sure if it was signed or not (guess it could've been from a boy?).

Those of you with a couple kids in school know how hard it is running back and forth between classes. Plus, I have Miles with me, so the running around is even more challenging. At any rate, I only got a few Vday school pics. Karson's class was intently watching Toy Story 3--pictures didn't seem appropriate =).
Miles paid ZERO attention to his Valentine's loot. He's probably the least loving of all my children. Both Karson and Isaac are snugglers and always wanting someone to sleep with them or cuddle up with them or hug on them. Miles, not so much. When it's time for bed, he wants to be in HIS bed. He don't want NO lovin', snugglin', cuddlin', coddlin'. All he wants is a hug and kiss goodnight. Don't get me wrong when I say he's my least loving--he does have loving moments such as telling me he loves me. But affection just ain't his thang, and he's more than happy to let you know if he likes you or not at any given moment. He's my more independent and outspoken child. SO, my point, I'm not surprised Valentine's Day isn't his thing. In fact, he had ALL of his Valentine's in his backpack when he got home from school on Tuesday. I said, "Miles why didn't you hand out your Valentine's?" to which he replied, "I didn't want to." Ornery thing. I called Ms. Windy to make sure that he didn't actually SAY that during class, and she told me that they were simply forgotten. Whew.

I always want the traditional BIG BOX OF CHOCOLATE for the holiday. Really, when can you truly indulge if it's not on Valentine's Day, right? We polished it off yesterday. I wish I'd went to Walmart on Tuesday for the half-price boxes--never even thought of it. I guess that's a good thing. The kids have so much candy, I will probably be snacking on it for the next few weeks. I did make a couple of sweets runs on Valentine's Day. I needed GiGi's, Baskin Robbins and Riley's bakery. By the time Miles and I made it Riley's, he had to pee and let me and everyone standing in line know. Once we got our goods, I took him outside and let him pee in the bushes. SO, sorry if you saw a little guy peeing in the Riley's bushes on Vday--he belongs to me =).

Our computer tried to crash this week. Always a fun adventure but luckily I back everything up now (after two previous crashes, I'm prepared). If you ever see anything called Security Sheild pop up on your computer, DO NOT DO what it says to do. Fortunately, I didn't fall for its tricks--it's malware, aka PESTware. I was able to back up my files immediately and remove it thanks to a link Paul sent. And, I didn't have to a complete system restore. Oh the joys of PC ownership. My next computer with be a MAC for sure.

The weather this week has been refreshing. I love being outside even if it is in the mid-50's. Miles and I decided it was time for us to purchase another trampoline. This is our 3rd trampoline. The first two were donated to us. We gave one of them to our neighbors and kept the other one--neither were in great shape but FREE. Who could complain? The one we kept had been welded back together in several different places and had some make-shift parts on it. I had a feeling it wouldn't last long, but it managed to make it through two summer seasons. At the end of last summer, Matt was jumping on it with the kids and broke one part of it. The kids were still able to jump but not adults =). One sad fall afternoon when Matt was moving it over to mow, the leg snapped. It wasn't pressing for us to get another one, but I KNEW, come spring, another one was VITAL. Well, it's not technically spring, but the weather was perfect this week to purchase another one. I found a 15 footer at Sam's Club. We spent Wednesday afternoon putting it together. I should say I put together all the framing and Ben and Matt did all the hard work installing the pad and springs. The kids jumped all afternoon.

Miles has also enjoyed riding around in his jeep. It's hard to believe that he was crusin' around with his sister only a few short years ago. Check out my link.
http://tiffanymomof3.blogspot.com/2007/09/cruisin-together.html

Look at him now:

We're ready for a fun weekend!!!

Snow Week Recap

This week has been totally unproductive, but oh well, we've enjoyed snuggling up and staying warm amid this snowy wonderland. You won't hear me complain about all these snow days mainly because I feel like time spent with your children is TIME spent with your children whether it's in the winter or in the summer. I do feel sorry for the teachers though who usually have to go to school a couple days longer than the students--and, I feel sorry for the board who has to reconfigure the school calendar and field LOADS of phone calls from angry parents. But ME, nah, I don't feel sorry for being at home with my kids enjoying our time off. So, what have we been up to this week:

(1) KARSON: she and I have been playing Madame Fate. We're completely addicted to Big Fish games. She had a playdate with her cousin Elizabeth on Tuesday and with her friend Emma on Wednesday.

She built a snowman with her dad on Thursday.
Karson's been with both sets of grandparents for shopping and playtime at their houses. She's been to the library and started reading a 500 page book called The Invention of Hugo Cabret--very cool.
She has decided to participate in PBS GO's Writers contest and write a book. She and Isaac have published numerous books.
Don't you want to read the book "The Mystery of the Past"? I hear you oohing and aaaahhing.
Tomorrow she has a basketball game in the morning and was invited to go with a friend to a concert tomorrow afternoon at Living Hope called Slugs and Bugs. Lots of fun for Karson!!!


(2) ISAAC: he is completely addicted to the iPad and loves playing games. A few people got him iTunes gift cards for his birthday. I think he's blown through them faster than anyone I know. He's not a snow person so he loves being inside. He got to play with Evan on Tuesday. He has a little friend Tommy who lives a stones throw from our house, but both of them are to scared to go to the other one's house for a playdate. However, we are going to Tommy's on Sunday for his birthday party. He has been to see great grandparents this week. He loves seeing Granny and Grandad--the kids used to go there every week on Fridays, but lately, with health problems (and full time school), we haven't been able to spend much time there. He's been Valentine's shopping with Pap and Nana and got to spend the night (JUST him) on Wednesday night. He got LOADS of books at the library yesterday and a new Goosebumps DVD.

(3) MILES: nothing is different for Miles this week besides missing preschool. We were supposed to have his Valentine's party yesterday =(. I guess it will be postponed until next week. He got a haircut.


He's been sleeping with Karson some this week. They remind me so much of each other and love their sleepovers in Karson's room. He also loves playing with Emmie Lou (his cousin). Matt took him and Isaac over to see her and Mamaw and Karen on Wednesday. Life for us (he and I) has been different this week. We're used to quiet mornings at home--just the two of us =).
(4) ME: I decided to purchase some of those Sally Hanson nail effects this week since I had a $2 off coupon and they look fabulous.
My verdict: don't waste your money. They are stickers and would probably be great if you never use your hands =).
I got my Snapfish book in. If you read my facebook post about a week ago, I received a Snapfish book but it was NOT mine. It was a wedding book of Kyla and Michael Meade. When I called Snapfish, they told me they would send me another book and to just recycle the other book--weird, huh. I went running around with Shannon yesterday while all our kids were at Mom's. It's always fun spending time with her. I've been to the library and book mobile a couple of times. I've tried to keep up with exercising. I'm liking exercise TV on the DVR especially Denise Austin--she moves at my pace. This cold weather makes it REAL hard to stay motivated. I can't wait until this 50 degree weather moves in this weekend. I had some skinny jeans hemmed at Mickies--I got them on sale at Macy's for nothing but they were about TWO feet to long. This is the first year for me and skinny jeans. I've tried on LOTS of pairs but never found any that worked until this year. There are two brands: Celebrity Pink and Grane that work for me--both JUNIOR sizes--WOW.


I also was able to pick up a plate at The Paintn' Place that Karson and I did a week ago. I thought Karson's new EASTER plate turned out cute. My plate collage is so fun. I hope to line the walls of my kitchen one day with all their plates (and holidays).


(5) MATT: I'll let the video speak for itself. I love that Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" is playing the background--completely appropriate on lots of different levels.


(6) PARTY OF FIVE: we went on a Valentine's date today beginning with lunch at Pizza Hut and a movie Gnomeo and Juliet. We've had a super, snowy winter week at home!!!
**I know this is hodgepodge post, but my brain is hodgepodge right now.

RIP Justin H. Deaton

This blog is in memory of Justin Hinston Deaton. You came into our lives on a Wednesday and brought us lots of joy. Yesterday marked one week since you left this world. We miss you and are sad you're gone. We hope you meet Princess Sparkles in Hammy Heaven. Until we meet again....

Justin the Hammy is kaput. We're not real sure what happened to him. We kind of think he was sick from the get go. Plus, it's not REAL comforting that Petco gives you a 15-day guarantee on the life of their rodents/animals. I figured Justin was different after day 3 when I put a fresh carrot in his cage, and he didn't even budge. Sparkles would've had that thing devoured in minutes. And, Justin wasn't NEARLY as active as Sparkles. He slept all the time day and night. So, Matt and I weren't real surprised when we checked on him last Saturday, and he was hard as a rock. Thankfully the kids were spending the night with my mom and weren't home. And, we were able to take him back (as a return--eek) to Petco and get our money back. Breaking the news to the kids the next day was a bit harder. Isaac was more angry than sad yelling, "but I wanted a pet." Miles and Karson were the weepy ones. The loss of a pet is hard. I decided to email Isaac's teacher to let her know about the loss and help her avoid an awkward moment. She emailed back and said, he and Ms. King (the aide) had talked about it and he told her "they (hamsters) don't last very long." I'm not sure what to do at this point. I think the few days we had Justin were just enough for the kids. I know they would like another hamster but haven't been pressing the issue at all. I'm not sure if we'll return to Petco anytime soon.