Watery Eyes, Blood on the Comforter and the Missing Hat

Okay, so now that I have your attention with that juicy title, I'll proceed to tell you how all of those things were part of our weekend. My darling daughter has been wanting to go skiing with our church the past two years. However, my (and her) commitment to basketball have prevented that from happening. Not this year. We decided early on WE WERE GOING. I got her a great Columbia ski jacket at Nat's basement sale, found a ski bib at Target at the beginning of snow season (aka the end of summer) and paid full price. I later took it back and re-purchased it for half price (frugal mom, I know) when I saw the mark down one day--Target is one of those weekly shopping places for me, got her a cute fleece hat at Old Navy, scored some cute Snow Boots at Hyder's, and we were ready.

I used to be one of those highly organized packers who would begin getting ready for a trip days in advance. I don't do that anymore. I tend to do my best packing at the last minute. And, for this trip, we only needed the necessities. So I'm throwing everything into my handy, dandy 31 large utility tote and cosmetic bag Thursday night, thanks Melissa M., and doing loads of laundry on Friday for some of the things we need (which have been in my attic storage and are a bit musty). **One mistake I've made with skiing in the past is wearing TOO MUCH layering. I decided a base layer, an additional layer, bib and thick jacket were plenty this year. I'm usually burning up in all those layers and feel like Randy on "A Christmas Story." Just the basics this year, nothing more.

We take off for Indiana/Ohio right after school Friday afternoon. We hitched a ride with Shannon, Paul, Evan and Elizabeth. Matt and the boys had no desire to go. I'm hoping we can convince Isaac to go next year. All his church buddies had a great time. Okay, so we take off. The trip is not a quick one so we opted to leave Friday night and spend the night so we'd be fresh the next day, and it wouldn't be to tiring making an 7 hour trip in one day. The trip went smooth until about an hour out when the weather started getting bad. Our friends, the Vernon's, were a few miles ahead of us and told us of the icy conditions on one bridge and a truck wreck smack in the middle of one lane--it got crazy quickly. But, fortunately, all of us made there safely or were we??? BWAHHAHAHAHA (scary sounds)

We arrived at the Comfort Inn in Harrison, Ohio around 8:30 p.m. As Larie described it in bible class this morning, and I think it's pretty accurate, "I wouldn't let me dead dog stay there." It's probably one of the nastiest places I've ever been in. The kids were eager to swim so we got our room keys quickly and headed up to the room for a change. Our room might as well have been a meat locker. It was freezing. I turned the heat on full blast hoping it would warm it up by the time Karson finished swimming. As we all sat in the pool area, I noticed my eyes were watering constantly. I thought I was just tired, WRONG. Everyone had watering eyes. At one point, Shannon looked like someone from Islam wearing sunglasses and towel turban over her head/face. All of us had watery eyes. I couldn't take it anymore and went out into the lobby to watch from the glass out there. About that time, the kids had all had enough--the parents too. Karson had a red rash around her eyeline. The rest of the kids spent the evening coughing and congested--awful.

When we got back to the room, it was still frigid. But we'd only been gone for about 45 minutes. I filled up the bath for Karson reluctantly. The towels were yellowish looking, the wallpaper around the bath look like it had mold growing on it. I decided to survey the rest of the room--the un-vacuumed carpets, a big hair wad on my comforter and what I believe to be blood spots on my bedspread. The room never warmed up so Karson and I slept together despite two queen sized beds to preserve warmth. It was a rough night. Larie informed Perfect North the next day that they needed to remove this hotel off their lodging page. But, it wasn't going to put a damper on our day.

We made it to PERFECT NORTH!

Karson attended ski school. I think it's cool that Perfect North offers free lessons to beginners. They go through different stations trying to learn how "it's done". I think the lesson kind of helped Karson, but she never really got the wedge down. If you can master that, that's when skiing becomes safe because it's how you slow down and stop. Skiing is hard, but I sure was proud of Karson for trying. She didn't complain to much and kept trying.

GO KARSON!!!

After ski school, we took a lunch break and warmed up.

Snuggling up in the lodge.

After lunch, we did a little tubing. This is where everything went SOUTH, so to speak. After walking about 10 miles (probably 1/2 mile but it sure felt far), we made it over to the tubing area. We had made a couple of runs and were having a blast. On our final run, Karson and Elizabeth decided to go down together. On the way down, Karson's cute fleece hat flew off her head. I didn't know until Shannon and I came down. She was visibly upset, and I asked the tube POLICE monitor if I could run up there and grab her hat which wasn't far up. They, of course, said no because it was to icy. The tubing hills looked like accessory graveyards--full of hats, gloves and whatever else flies off. I didn't care that much about losing it because I think it cost $1.50 at Old Navy, but Karson was really sad about it. Shannon and I decided to head back up the track and see if we could grab it on the way down. Sometime during our transition, someone MUST HAVE snagged it because it was NO WHERE to be found when we came back down. Shannon said something to the monitor about it who seemed uninterested in hearing it. We were surprised that she didn't notice or say anything to the person who grabbed the hat, OUR HAT? Weird.

Fortunately, I had packed a hat and an ear wrap so I had two things for the head. So long cute Old Navy hat. It took a while for Karson to recover from the loss. We made our long trek back to the lodge. I told my teary eyed girl we could look for a new one in the Loft Shop. Once there and seeing that the prices were INSANE ($20+), we decided my ear wrap would work. Plus, she was not in the mood to shop. We relaxed in the lodge for a while. Did I mention Karson got up at 5 a.m. ready to go? The slopes don't open 'til 10. I knew she was tired, and quite frankly, so was I. We didn't call it a day yet but rested for while. We ventured back out with about three hours left on our session. After a couple of runs, we finished for the day. Thankfully we ALL made it safely back home to Bowling Green. Karson has already talked about wanting to go again next year. SUCCESS!

Look Out Amy Chua

This Western Tiger Mom has placed her children in piano. The kids began their piano adventure this week with Ms. Cothran (the music teacher at Plano). She decided to combine the first lesson with both kids this week since they were covering the basics, like correct posture, finger numbers/exercises, piano tones, etc. She told them that learning the piano is like anything else, the more you practice at home and on your own time, the quicker you'll move through the beginning lessons. I imagine Karson will probably take off more quickly than Isaac. She has been wanting to learn how to play for about two years, but we simply didn't have the materials we needed or the time. When Uncle Mike gave us his keyboard and with basketball starting to come to a close, I figured NOW is the perfect time to get them both involved. AND, if I have to hear the songs "I Dropped My Dolly in the Dirt", "Mary Had a Little Lamb", and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" AGAIN, I might lose my mind =). I'm so very thankful that Ms. Cothran is their teacher. Not only is she incredibly talented, she knows my kids well--and it helps that the school is so close to our house. We worked on a month to month schedule and are looking forward to this new journey with her.

Karson and Isaac playing their first notes.

Learning about the insides of a piano and how everything works.

Miles practicing his skills on the xylophone.

**I'll post videos of them playing soon, so check back.

And That's OUR Morning

Who needs an alarm clock when you have this:

I tried to zero in on the clock, 7:17 a.m. This is what the kids were doing bright and early this A.M. I will be happy to send them over if any of you have a Wii and need a pick-me-up in the morning.

HAH!

Whew! Here we go.

New Year's Party

"Contentment isn’t a state of organization, a weight on the scale, a state of better: better kids, better marriage, better health, betterhouse. Contentment is never a matter of circumstances; contentment is always a state of communion — a daily embracing of God. A thankfulness for all the gifts – and momentsand life, just as He gives it. Trying harder may only bring harder trials. And contentment, it won’t be be found in the resolutions, but in the revolutions – in the turning round to God."

I read the above quote from a friend's facebook status a few days ago and LOVE IT. I've read it everyday since. I think I'm going to read it EVERYDAY this year and try to put it into practice. As Matt says, "we are restless unless we rest in God." SO TRUE. I have found that this specific week--the week the kids go back to school and life returns to "normal" after the holidays--as busy as it it usually is, feels like a relief. The gifts from Christmas have all found a spot in the house. All the trash and recycling has been picked up. Gift returns have been made. Old toys/stuff has been weeded out and taken to consignment shops or Goodwill. Post Christmas sales have been done, and Christmas decorations have been put up (which is when all my snowmen stuff comes down). I'm not as fond of the kids going back to school, but it's a routine they need (and we moms do too). Back to the contentment quote, I guess life becomes content again, not so much running around and going and doing and eating and anticipating and all the comes with the holidays. As fun as they are, it's nice to just BE again.

So here's what's going on in our lives at the moment:

I booked THIS cabin for our Spring Break trip to Pigeon Forge. It's called Ooooh My. We are going with Paul and Shannon and their kids. If you look at the top of the cabin, it's divided into TWO Master suites on each side. I can't wait to have a relaxing week in the mountains with my family.

I signed Karson and I up for the church ski trip. She has wanted to go the past two years and hasn't been able to because of our commitment to basketball. This trip could be good or bad depending on her mood. Karson can sometimes be a very determined chick. Take roller skating, when she's out there, she's like Bliss Cavendar on "Whip It" determined to be the best, fastest skater in the rink. She takes some major spills but gets up and continues to go--ouch! SO, skiing could be that way or the dreadful "other way" of fit throwing, whining, complaining, yada yada yada. We'll see. The trip is in two weeks.

The kids are starting piano lessons with our music teacher from Plano Ms. Cothran. My uncle Mike was wanting to get rid of his keyboard, and we snagged it from him. We bought a stand from Amazon and viola, we have a practice instrument. Ms Cothran had me order a playbook, theory book and flash cards. I told her if I hear the songs "We Wish You and Merry Christmas" and "I Dropped My Dolly in the Dirt", I might go insane. I'm excited about their new venture.

Miles is totally addicted Just Dance 3 on the Wii. He plays it MULTIPLE times during the day. However, he only likes ONE song called "Hey Boy Hey Girl" by The Chemical Brothers.

We're gearing up for Isaac's birthday this month. Since Karson and Miles both had big birthday parties this year, it's only fair that Isaac gets one too =). He's chosen Best Western Motor Inn for a POOL party. Yes, that's right, we are SWIMMING in the middle of January. We're doing it on a Friday night and even booked a room for the night. I've been to Hobby Lobby multiple times this week, taking advantage of their 40% paper coupon. You can only use one per day so I printed a few out and have been using them all week. Why spend full price when you can get a discount, right?

Speaking of Isaac, here is his new domain. We added The Beatles poster that Karson got him for Christmas right above his top bunk. I love his little area of the room.

We're completing our Winter Reading logs. If you recall, Isaac won a Snow Screamer sled this time last year from the library. The kids have already filled up a total of three cards. This year, we're going for the cash cards.

I finished my 3rd puzzle of the season. I snagged this cute one from Hallmark the day after Christmas for half price. I love puzzles, always have. I wish the library had puzzles you could check out. I'm starting to build a HUGE collection.

Miles got these guns for Christmas. They are the roll cap guns. I love 'em. They remind me of guns we had as children. They are loud, smoke and pop when firing. I have NO IDEA how these have passed inspection with the toy people, but they are awesome.

With the cold months ahead, we are stocked up with lots of wood for our fireplace thanks to my dad. Dad and Matt spend an afternoon splitting logs and stacking them up to help us stay warm and toasty this winter.

Here's to week full of contentment at all the blessings God has granted.

Holiday Road

After Isaac's and Miles's Christmas programs, our holiday road continued with WINTER parties at Plano. I love that Karson and Isaac's classrooms are in the same hallway at school. Most of the 3rd grade classes are on the opposite end of the school. I'm not sure why Karson's class is in the wing with the 1st/2nd graders, but it sure is handy on party days.

Isaac's class was rolling on FULL throttle when we arrived (can you tell based on the picture?). Karson's class was calm and collected. I've noticed as the kids get older, the parties seem more low-key. I chalk that up to a variety of reasons: the kids are "to cool" for Christmas BINGO, making reindeer magnets for the 4th year in a row gets old, parents aren't as involved and look goofy taking pictures (aka ME, I think I'm the ONLY 3rd grade parent that STILL takes pics at parties), the realization that Santa is a myth?, all they really want to do at the end of the day is eat pizza and do a gift exchange, and so on. SO, Miles and I usually spend most of our time with Isaac. Miles is the weirdest lil' guy when we attend these parties. He's SO anti-social and clings to me like a leech. I wish he'd relax a bit and enjoy the party--Ms. Vincent and Ms. Tinsley are always welcoming him in and trying to get him involved, but NOPE, he won't budge. Because of my extra appendage, it makes it pretty impossible to help with crafts or snacks. I usually trip right over him. I sure hope he isn't as clingy when he starts kindergarten. It will be hard enough sending him to school, and if he's crying, it will tug at my heart strings something fierce.
Isaac and Patrick playing with their reindeer magnets. Karson's class did a book exchange which I liked because Karson likes reading. AND, bonus, books are cheap. Isaac's class did stocking stuffers. I purchased sticky hands for 22 kids.

Isaac putting the goodies in the stockings.

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SCHOOL'S OUT which means it time to begin our Christmas-time fun. We started with building our Ginger Bread House. Why is it that the house on the box looks WAY better than the finished product?

I only included Karson and Isaac in our house photo. I didn't include Miles mainly because I get tired of seeing him in his UNDERpants 24/7. I preferred a nice picture with my TWO clothed children.

The kids decided to EAT the Ginger Bread House this year instead of letting it sit and rot and eventually be thrown away. This method was FINE BY ME. I would much rather them eat the thing and be done with it.

I did snap some pictures of Miles in the "devouring" stage. My kids only had a few bites before they were D-O-N-E. I think Isaac ate about 20 gumballs in a row.

The Community Kids annual Christmas play was on Sunday. The play was titled "Live From Bethlehem". The play was told from the perspective of news reporters surrounding the scene of the Christmas story.

Here are a couple of interesting characters from the play. Karson was a mom traveler in her scene. Isaac and Evan were her kids. They were supposed to act wild and unruly during their scene--it was HARD for these two boys but somehow they managed to pull it off--HAH =).

Karson, Walker and the hooligans in their scene.

Miles and Trapper in their traditional preschool roles of "extras". Miles was a cow, and Trapper a shepherd.

The preschool crew.

A Christmas clip.

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We were able to spend some time with some of our closest pals, the DeVries, on Monday night. They had us over for dinner. The kids had the best time hanging out, and the adults did too! The kids had fun playing the X-Box Kinect Dance Central. Miles had his first dance experience that night. I don't think he's ever played. Sidenote: I got all the kids SD cards for their DSi's so they can play music on their game systems. They all LOVE music. Isaac has an extensive list of artists and songs. He loaded his up with all his music: The Beach Boys, Beatles, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Ke$ha, Gaga, Maroon 5, The Spice Girls and so on and so on. Karson had a much smaller list. Her favorite song right now is "Stereo Hearts" by Gym Class Heroes. Miles had TWO main requests: Rump Shaker and U Can't Touch This. Miles was SUPER excited that the song RUMP SHAKER was on the Kinect. I think he did that dance at least 10 times while were there.

On Tuesday night, we went on a group date with Shannon and Paul and Lisa and Daniel to Nashville. We ate at Logan's Steakhouse and went to the IMAX to see Mission Impossible IV.

A friend of mine organized a trip on Wednesday to Extreme Gymnastics in Glasgow. I think I've been there one other time for a birthday party but didn't remember much about it. It was wonderful! It was $5 for the entire day. You could bring in food and drinks. Lots of Karson and Isaac's school friends went, and we pretty much occupied the entire place. It was a nice way to burn off some energy.

Group picture in the foam cube pit.
The kids had sleepovers that night. Karson and Elizabeth spent the night with Meme. Isaac spent the night with Evan. I planned a playdate at Chick Fil A that Thursday morning with Miles's friend Samuel so he would have something to look forward to (and not feel left out). Karson and Elizabeth went with Meme to Zumba at Curves the next day. Mom said they were the cutest, and all the ladies at Curves enjoyed having them there. After CFA and Zumba, we went over to Shannon's for some playtime.

We took the kids to see Santa at the mall on Friday afternoon.

And then to the library afterwards. If you remember, Isaac won the sled last year from the Winter Reading log at the library (with only TWO entries). He's already filled up an entire card and is working on his second one. Karson is reading longer books so hasn't filled up a card yet but is almost there. Maybe we'll get lucky and win again???

The holiday BEGINS Christmas Eve morning at my parents house.

Mom got Karson and Isaac WhatNot Muppets. Poppy sporting a Muppet wig =).

WE LOVE THE MUPPETS: here we are at the theater opening day!

Miles got a Mario Kinect set. When mom and I got it at Toys R Us a few weeks back, I didn't think it would take up THAT much space. It covers most of our living room floor right now. And, the race cars have already gone through one round of six AAA batteries. But, he sure does like it.

Miles showing Poppy all the tricks of a Kindle Fire.

Just Dance 3 for the Wii. Thanks Uncle Mike for this present for Karson. We spent the afternoon dancing. I have started using the Just Sweat workout. Dancing (in the privacy of my own home) is a quick and easy way to lose some weight. I've been to one Zumba class, and the girl in front of me might as well have been on "Dancing With the Stars." At one point, I thought about sitting down and just watching her dance. I don't think group dancing is my thing at this point.

We went to Matt's Mamaw's house late that afternoon and evening. I ask for you blog followers of mine to keep Mamaw Deaton in your prayers. She's been in pain for some time now. It started around October 1 when she had a bad sinus infection. It's been a downward spiral since, and she cannot get any relief from pain on the right side of her head/neck. She's been working with my brother-in-law Paul this week at the Pain Clinic. We're hoping he can find a way to get her comfortable again.

CHRISTMAS
MORNING

AT OUR HOUSE!!!

Whoa, the kids were up and ready to go at 6:45 a.m. I think most of the presents were open by 6:50. Karson had her typical toy overload meltdown and time out around 7:15 and Miles followed around 7:30. Isaac got some new Dino Lego's, Miles got his 3DS and Karson got a Squinkies Mall. And, obviously, based on this gigantic mess, they got a lot of other things.

Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year, our church simply had worship only. We met at 10:30 a.m. The children did most of the service alternating reading lines from the birth of Jesus, and we sang Christmas carols in between. It was the perfect way to honor our Savior.

We went home and decompressed for about two hours before heading over to Colvin and Debbie's for Christmas with them and the Bradford side of the family.

I didn't get a picture of Isaac opening his gift. He manages to open presents ultra-quick. I did get pictures of Karson and Miles. Our children are blessed beyond measure and so are we. Happy Holiday Road 2011 to all!