Is it Spring YET?

Spring has sprung in our house.  I don't consider myself a decorator by any means but do love little seasonal touches here and there.  I don't have a lot of spring or Easter decor and wanted to change that this year. Hobby Lobby here I come! 

I found these wooden bunnies at Hobby
Lobby too.  Aren't they the cutest?  They
look perfect in our living room.

I found the cutest ceramic bunnies for our fireplace mantle.  They are decorative, yet subtle enough to not POP out like the colorful frog (right) I found for the kids bathroom.  Most spring things are bright and vibrant.  Although I like that look, it's not me and not a prominent look I want in my house (only in certain areas).

I have quite a few stuffed Easter animals that Miles loves playing with.  I also like to have all our Easter and spring stories available for reading. There used to be a cute gift shop on Lovers Lane--years ago-- that went out of business or relocated, I don't remember.  I got the glass rabbit (above right) there on clearance and wish I had purchased the other rabbits that went with it.  It's my favorite Easter decoration.

Karson made a spring wreath a few weeks ago which is now located on her bedroom door along with an entire roll of caution tape.  Makes for a nice look, don't you think?

No spring would be complete without a full-service Easter egg dying station.  I purchased a couple of kits on clearance last year which I wouldn't recommend because they are already cheap.  I noticed the capsules and paint didn't work as well as a new box would have (so make that note if you're an after-holiday clearance shopper such as myself). The kids didn't notice or seem to mind at all.  They were just excited to make a mess and have some fun.

Karson started double dipping and got incredibly creative with her designs.  Isaac loved fishing the eggs out and transferring them from dye cup to dye cup.

Miles monopolized the paint roller station and swirled on a rainbow of colors.

Our finished eggs turned out EGGcellent and add a nice touch to our dining room.  We may have a family hunt in our backyard with them.  My mom always has a huge church Easter egg hunt at her house--1,000+ eggs, gobs of candy and simply the highlight of our kids Easter.  I don't know that I've ever had a family hunt though so I may start that tradition this year.

In other news:  we've enjoyed the beautiful weather outside.  The kids have been invited to numerous birthday parties--one of which, Isaac got some silly string.  I ran to Dollar General to get a couple more cans for a silly string fight. It's amazing how much a $1 can of silly string can entertain even older children.  I believe next Wednesday is the official first day of spring.  We are looking forward to it!

Can I Write Another Evil King Book?

Those are words I NEVER thought I would hear from my six year old son, Miles, who during his preschool years could not stand to color, write or learn his alphabet.  He has come a long way since then.  He loves writing books to the point where I have to hide our computer paper because he goes through an entire ream so fast.  He authored the book below yesterday and wanted to write another one this morning.  However, we had to get some snow playtime in this morning before the 2nd book release.

It was a lovely sight waking up to winter wonderland and being able to run around throwing snowballs and making snow angels with my littlest angel.

"The Evol King" BOOK ONE (I'll interpret where necessary):

He was trying to kill him.

I wasn't sure what dic meant, and Miles explained that is was ditch.

Then dead.

(the evil king is put in jail)

 I love Miles's little books.  I have a storage space FULL of them.  I have no idea what has happened between preschool and kindergarten but feel I owe a whole lot to Miles's teacher Mr. Coleman. He has had such a fun year in his classroom.  He looks forward to school every day and always comes home smiling and excited.
-------

 This week was Read Across America with Dr. Seuss.  The kids had the option to dress up each day.  Miles was very excited about participating in the events.  When you are in kindergarten and DON'T participate, you're usually odd-man-out.  The kindergartners (and parents) are always WAY more excited about these events than the older "to cool for that" kids.  I didn't get a picture of all the days such as crazy sock day or PJ day but I did get the following shots:

Hat Day on Tuesday.

Wacky Wednesday attire.  I was surprised Isaac participated.  He rarely does anything on school dress-up days.  I guess his older sis and lil bro inspired his desire to dress-up.  Don't they look wacky? 

Speaking of wacky, Isaac and Jerry Deaton had breakfast together a lot this week.  I have to give Isaac a bowl of cereal and Jerry needs his own bowl too.  Jerry is super pumped about his birthday coming up on JUNE 1st.  It's all he talks about.  Isaac has authored his share of books and even has his own series books.  However, we have had quite a time trying to construct a story worthy of the "Young Writers Contest." This week's titles included "Detective" and "The Revenge of Ducky Momo."  Neither are competition-ready.

 While we are on the subject of competition, my daughter, the basketball beast, finished her season on Monday night.  Her team took second place in the tournament.  Karson has become quite a baller this season.  During the tournament, she was scoring 10+ points a game and usually got lots of rebounds, steals and fast breaks.  Prior to the final game, her team played against the Gold Irish.  Karson just knew the team would beat them since they beat them twice in the regular season.  They gave us a really good run and were actually up by one point in the 4th quarter.  When their team scored the basket (putting them ahead 1) with around a minute on the clock, Karson's face grew pale.  She had played SO hard that game and was watching it slip right through her hands.  Our team in-bounded the ball to Karson, and she was immediately double-teamed which is considered a technical in this league.   Karson went to the free throw line to shoot.  My knees were knocking and lips quivering.  She air-balled the first shot. NO!!!  I couldn't barely watch the second shot which SWISHED right in.  Hooray.  Karson had tied up the game.  We got possession of the ball but quickly lost it and the other team headed down the court when the whistle blew.  I was afraid they were going to call double-teaming on us and give them some free throws.  The referee made a walking call on their team.  We got the ball and headed down the court only for Karson to be double-teamed again.  They called a technical, and the coach put his daughter on the line.  Whew.  I was glad Karson was off the hook.  And, the coaches daughter is actually the better free throw shooter so it made sense.  His daughter hit the first one and missed the second one.  We ended up winning by one point.  It was a nail biter.  I love basketball and am glad Karson enjoys it so much.  She has improved a lot this year.  We are looking forward to next season although are welcoming a break from this one.  Look out Division III.

With her sports season ending, Karson decided to get her long hair chopped off on Wednesday.  She needed a new spring/summer do.  Karson has such thick hair and styling it takes some work.  Although I love it long, she loves it short.  It's her hair, her decision.  I encouraged her to wait 'til after her sports were over.  She's a beautiful child with either cut.  We picked her piano studies back up last week.  With her busy schedule of ball practice/games and academic team commitments, it was impossible for her/us to continue with piano after the winter season.  We found a new piano home, and Karson is with her third piano teacher.  She started at Plano, moved to Richpond Fine Arts and now is at Maggie's Music Studio.  She adores her new teacher.  She is the right fit for my daughter too.  I think we'll stay at this studio for a while.  Karson loves playing and has picked up the study of music so quickly.  I guess some kids are naturals at certain things.  I'm thankful for the talents God has given all of my children.  I &#9829 them so much! 

Harlem Shake Mag Deaton

What my family does on a Saturday while Mom is at home sick.

Isaac "Orville" Wright

The second grade classes at Plano presented their wax museum on Wednesday afternoon.  I decided to go ahead and purchase Isaac an outfit suited to his character, mainly because I figured it could double for an Easter outfit as well.  I don't normally purchase hats and vests, but this ensemble was to cute to pass up.  It's hard to find a picture of Orville Wright not wearing a suit.  I really didn't want Isaac to look that formal for the wax museum so I tried my best to find something that was "dress casual".  

His finished poster which really turned out well.  It's hard to capture the true spirit of an aviator without an actual airplane.  I thought this poster board prop helped bring out that side of his character.

I didn't snap many pictures or visit with the other children becuase I've been suffering with a nasty cold/sinus/congestion thing for a few weeks now.  I really thought I would have this thing kicked by now, but it's still lingering around.  I didn't want to spread my germs to much so I hovered around Isaac most of the time.

I did snap a picture of him and Albert Einstein though.  This kid cracked me up.  He had powder in his hair, for the graying effect.  Powder was all over the place.  He kept smacking the top of his head and showering powder all over the place.

All of the completed projects made it to school last week.  Whew.  Karson got to turn in her William Taft paper and bio bottle.  Miles's African American poster was displayed in the school entryway.  And, I was relieved to get everything out of the house to make way for my over-sized box of Valentine's candy.  I'm fairly easy to please on V-day.  I just want a giant box of chocolate, and Matt certainly delivered that this year.

February Catch-Up

Do you ever have one of those months that's just the perfect storm of events?  

You are constantly busy, and there is no shortage on things to get done.  I applaud single parents.  I have no idea how my children would function if it wasn't for one "sane" parent (eh-hem, not me) in our house.  

 The beginning of the month is just a blurrr besides getting our taxes done--yes!  And, I have began bowling in a league on Wednesdays to help my mom out while she is working for the state school testing.  SO, let me start with the end of last week.  On Friday, I decided to pull the kids out of school for the day and head to Louisville.  We went there because Matt's SWHS bowling team won the regional tournament and got to compete in the state, which was in Louisville.  Our trip was actually two-fold because my family lives in Louisville as well.  My Memaw had a mini-stroke on Wednesday afternoon so I was anxious to visit with her.  We headed to the 'ville on Thursday afternoon after Karson's quick recall match.  Matt and the team were all staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel which had an INDOOR pool, woo hoo.  The kids were so excited, bouncing off the walls, squealing every second--I think I sprouted a few more gray hairs that night.  After our 8 p.m. swim session, we got them all settled down and in bed.  Matt's team didn't have their match until 1:30 that afternoon which gave us plenty of time the next morning to visit with my grandparents and my Uncle Mike.  My Memaw is doing okay, trying to rest and recover.  We didn't stay long.  I knew she didn't feel well, and the kids energy level doesn't make for a good combination with that.  We ate lunch with them at Pizza Hut and then headed back to the bowling alley for some state tournament action.  The team ended up placing 7th in the team bowling and lost the first match of the baker bowling.  The team that beat South actually ended up winning the entire thing =(.  I felt sad for the boys.  I know they weren't ready for their season to end so soon.  However, they are a young group and have a couple more years to compete.  We got home late Friday afternoon.  Isaac was begging for a playdate with his friend Patrick so we picked him up once we arrived in BG.  They had a ball playing together, and it allowed me time to get everything back "in order".  Sometimes overnight trips, although fun, are serious work for us moms, even when the kids get older.

Matt got home later because the team all went out for dinner after the match.  He was supposed to attend a men's retreat (that night) with friends from Greenwood Park church.  He was waffling with his decision to leave that night or go the next morning.  He ended up going that night--I know he must have been worn out though.  Saturday was fun.  Evan and Elizabeth came over that morning to play and went to Karson's basketball game.  Between Karson's basketball and academic team commitments and Matt's bowling schedule, we stay "on the go".  I can hardly wait for next Tuesday when it will all be OVER.  Yee HAW!  

I had to work Saturday night which turned out to be incredibly busy at SKyPAC.  **Speaking of work, isn't it fun when you show up for work and your co-worker and you have the SAME dress on? BFF's certainly think alike and shop at the coolest stores.  Jennie is my neighbor, our kids are the same age, and I can't imagine life without her.  We walk together, work together, gripe together and apparently have GREAT taste in clothes =).** Back to Saturday night, I was ready to crash and burn that when Matt called at work and said Isaac had a fever.  Fortunately, it turned out to be nothing big--all of us have been coughing, had scratchy throats and all that comes with constant weather changes.  Miles had a fever last Sunday which only lasted that afternoon?  Weird fevers.

Sunday night our church hosted the HFC Dinner at the campus house at WKU.  It turned out to be "hipster" night so we decided to borrow some of their glasses and make a fun picture.  I SO needed a girls pick-me-up.  It's nice to hang out with girlfriends and act silly.  Our theme was breakfast for dinner.  The students were very appreciative and floods of my HFC memories came back to the surface.  I'm thankful for this ministry, and that it is still thriving.

I'm not sure who does the planning at Plano, but it seems when ONE kid has a project due, all three have one.  Miles project was the first one to come home.  He had to select an African American person to do a report on.  He was not-to-thrilled about it, which kind of surprised me because he really likes homework.  Since he was reluctant to pick a person, I made him shut his eyes and put his finger on the paper.  It landed on Garrett Morgan.  WHO? you ask.  I thought the same thing but was glad about the selection because it gave us a chance to research someone we didn't know.  The cool thing about Morgan was that he was from Kentucky and an inventor. I told Miles that his teacher would probably ask him to recite some facts about his person. We learned the basics:  his name, where he was from, when he was born, what was special about him?  By the time we completed the poster, Miles had them all memorized~hopefully, he will do as well in his presentation.  

Karson's project was the next to come home.  She had to select a president to do a BIO-BOTTLE on.  A bio-bottle  requires the student to research a president, write a report on that president and assemble a 2-liter bottle to look like your president.  Karson selected our 27th president William Taft.  Again, a person was chosen that I literally know nothing about.  How cool is that bio-bottle?  I think it's an uncanny representation of sir Taft!

I pulled this from Karson's research paper:  

"He was the largest president at 350lbs, and he was 6ft 2in tall. He was so big he had a special tub installed in the White House so he could fit . When he was nervous, he ate salted almonds, which were his favorite snack. He could eat pounds of salted almonds in one sitting.  He had a walrus mustache."

Speaking of walrus mustaches, can you spot the one in this photo taken this morning?  Matt usually isn't able to attend the Donuts with Dads event at Plano since it's early in the morning, and he has to be at South.  I call in the grandparent reinforcements to take over.  Pops and Pap came over this morning at 7:15 a.m.  Whoa, that is early!  They took the kids to school for D.W.D.  

The walrus 'stache is going to be used with Isaac's project ~ The 2nd Grade Wax Museum at Plano which takes place next Wednesday.  Isaac has selected Orville Wright to do his research on. I had ordered some classroom supplies for our church which came in giant, brown, cardboard boxes.  I knew they would be perfect for our poster presentation.  Isaac is also required to dress up like his character and be able to answer questions about him.  I'll be sure to blog about the event next week.  Karson was assigned Amelia Earhart in 2nd grade.  I've linked the blog post on it here, Karson "Amelia" Deaton. Maybe my kids are destined to be pilots?

On top of the projects, this week also includes a Valentine's celebration at school.  Trying to address 20+ Valentine's Day cards for three children is no easy task, but I've managed to make sure that is done as well.  As you can tell, February is just as busy as ever.  I'm really hoping things will slow down after this week.  Basketball is ending, quick recall is ending, and Matt's bowling has ended.  Whew.