Sophie and I are having a girl's weekend. Ben has a Young Life weekend at Oglebay in Wheeling. Ted is spending the weekend in New Martinsville. Sophie and I are here in Charleston on this snowy weekend. We have big plans and high aspirations. Clean while the two mess makers are away - and keep it clean for 36 hours! Grocery shop - which we did tonight at WalMart at 5:00. And shop and prepare for Family Fun Night that is next Friday at church. I am sad not to go to Oglebay. I've only missed one other time since 1996 - the year we were still under quarrantine with Ted. But between the 3 hour drive, having to be at church on Sunday, and Sophie still napping twice a day and going to bed at 7:30, it really wouldn't work all that well.
I realize now that I need to spend more individual time with my kids. I've really enjoyed my afternoon with Sophie. She is trying to crawl. When she sits she gets on her hands and almost has her legs out from underneath her and then pushes herself back and forth. This marvelous period in my life is about to end - one child who I don't have to watch so closely anymore, and a sitting, non-mobile child who is content to sit and play with her toys.
This week was FULL of snow. The 1st snow day was fun. The following 2, not so much. It snowed all day again today. It's suppossed to be a clear weekend but another "winter storm" coming Monday-Wednesday. We shall see.
Monday: 2 hour delay
Tuesday: 4 inches of snow; now school
Wednesday: rain, rain, and more rain; sleet/freezing rain in the afternoon; snow all evening
Thursday: no school; snow flurries
Friday: 2 hour delay; snow squalls all day that added another couple of inches
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
SNOW DAY!
We awoke to a winter wonderland this morning - about 4 inches of snow. No school. The plows didn't come around until around 11:30. Tuesday is Ben's usual morning with the kids while I go to the office. I made my office on my bed - not quite the same but it was a good temporary fix. Ted came in occasionally to deliver some sort of toy or ask to snuggle - only b/c he knew he wasn't supposed to be in there.
While Sophie napped, he and Ben played in the snow. With no official snow clothes in this size, we just layered him. He LOVED it and would've stayed out all day. I was kind of surprised. They shoveled the sidewalk, cleaned off the car, threw lots of snowballs at Millie and made a snowman.
In case you can't tell, the eyes are made out of small play-doh containers. The buttons are actual black play-doh. And we had a carrot!
It was freezing rain all afternoon. There's a flood watch this evening as it is currently pouring rain. It's supposed to be freezing rain all morning and then a couple more inches of snow tomorrow afternoon.
While Sophie napped, he and Ben played in the snow. With no official snow clothes in this size, we just layered him. He LOVED it and would've stayed out all day. I was kind of surprised. They shoveled the sidewalk, cleaned off the car, threw lots of snowballs at Millie and made a snowman.
In case you can't tell, the eyes are made out of small play-doh containers. The buttons are actual black play-doh. And we had a carrot!
It was freezing rain all afternoon. There's a flood watch this evening as it is currently pouring rain. It's supposed to be freezing rain all morning and then a couple more inches of snow tomorrow afternoon.
Monday, January 26, 2009
things that make me laugh
Things that Ted did today to make me laugh . . .
* This morning, I came in the living room and Ted's in the middle of a full blown game of Candy Land. He has pulled Sophie (by her legs) just close enough that she can't reach the board or the cards. He looks at me and says, "We're best fwiends. I'm pwaying Candy Wand for me and Sophie."
* The past couple of nights I've had him get his pj's on by himself in his room. He thinks it's HILARIOUS that he doesn't wear underwear underneath. What's it going to hurt?
* He was sitting in the recliner this afternoon with Ben and says something about Friday. Ben asked him if he knew his days of the week. Ted busts out the days of the week song (to the tune of The Adam's Family). Who knew?
* Tonight he had eaten his weight in snacks. I was finally telling him no. He looked at me and said, "Jesus said I could have a snack."
* This morning, I came in the living room and Ted's in the middle of a full blown game of Candy Land. He has pulled Sophie (by her legs) just close enough that she can't reach the board or the cards. He looks at me and says, "We're best fwiends. I'm pwaying Candy Wand for me and Sophie."
* The past couple of nights I've had him get his pj's on by himself in his room. He thinks it's HILARIOUS that he doesn't wear underwear underneath. What's it going to hurt?
* He was sitting in the recliner this afternoon with Ben and says something about Friday. Ben asked him if he knew his days of the week. Ted busts out the days of the week song (to the tune of The Adam's Family). Who knew?
* Tonight he had eaten his weight in snacks. I was finally telling him no. He looked at me and said, "Jesus said I could have a snack."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Bears, Birthdays & Big Kids
BIG day on Friday. It started with Ted's preschool class taking a little field trip to the mall to Build-a-Bear. Ben asked Ted what kind of bear he wanted. Ted exclaimed with great gusto, "a pink bear." Makes Ben NUTS!
Thank goodness pink wasn't an option. So he picked the chocolate bear.
Ted named his bear Tails knowing full well that Ben Santen would also name his bear Tails. They had a nice little fight in the middle of Build-a-Bear over that one.
Ted filling his bear with stuffing.
The finished product.
Directly after preschool was Ben Santen's 4th birthday party. Swimming at the YMCA, cake and ice cream. Stacy invited his entire preschool but most of them stay at after-care so their parents didn't come. Ever gotten 15 preschool kids ready to swim and then redressed? Dang!
Ben swam with Ted. Ted hung on to him the whole time afraid he would go under. I must get him swimming lessons before summer.
Ted finishing off EVERY bite of cake and ice cream while the rest of the kids played games.
The biggest hit of the day - the box from Build-a-Bear.
In the evening Ben had WyldLife. We went over for awhile to run around. Then Ted watched awhile from Ben's office. Too crazy down there with all those junior high kids.
LONG day! But a fun one. Ted said that he made his bear for "my daddy." So sweet. Sophie had a bit of a rough time with all the action and little sleep. But a fun day was had by all.
Thank goodness pink wasn't an option. So he picked the chocolate bear.
Ted named his bear Tails knowing full well that Ben Santen would also name his bear Tails. They had a nice little fight in the middle of Build-a-Bear over that one.
Ted filling his bear with stuffing.
The finished product.
Directly after preschool was Ben Santen's 4th birthday party. Swimming at the YMCA, cake and ice cream. Stacy invited his entire preschool but most of them stay at after-care so their parents didn't come. Ever gotten 15 preschool kids ready to swim and then redressed? Dang!
Ben swam with Ted. Ted hung on to him the whole time afraid he would go under. I must get him swimming lessons before summer.
Ted finishing off EVERY bite of cake and ice cream while the rest of the kids played games.
The biggest hit of the day - the box from Build-a-Bear.
In the evening Ben had WyldLife. We went over for awhile to run around. Then Ted watched awhile from Ben's office. Too crazy down there with all those junior high kids.
LONG day! But a fun one. Ted said that he made his bear for "my daddy." So sweet. Sophie had a bit of a rough time with all the action and little sleep. But a fun day was had by all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
cheerleader in the house
Sophie has learned some new tricks recently including clapping and blowing raspberries. Both are very cute - until meal time. I put the bib on, roll up the sleeves (hers and mine) and off we go. The arm waving, clapping, raspberries, and constant "talking" make for one messy meal. Her arms routinely intercept a spoon filled with some bright color food and there's small bits of everything all over her high chair and me.
Meanwhile, across the kitchen at the table, Ted is laughing HYSTERICALLY. Which then fuels the fire for Sophie to continue the cheerleading routine. Then I laugh at Ted and Sophie laughs at everyone. It's a complete zoo. It's gotten to the point where they can not eat at the same time.
Meanwhile, across the kitchen at the table, Ted is laughing HYSTERICALLY. Which then fuels the fire for Sophie to continue the cheerleading routine. Then I laugh at Ted and Sophie laughs at everyone. It's a complete zoo. It's gotten to the point where they can not eat at the same time.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Piles of Laundry
Sophie enjoy some carrots.
We met Janny at the mall for lunch on Friday. So good seeing my friends!
I forgot this one the other day. Sophie being the hit when we went to play at my Mom's school.
I am putting off folding laundry. I have this "system" for laundry. I do laundry and throw it in the hamper until 2 hampers are completely overflowing. Then I fold laundry all over the living room - with no children around of course. It beats folding one load at a time. It's a good thing neither of us have to dress up for work b/c clothes being in the hamper for several days doesn't do much for wrinkles. But it's nothing a quick spin through the dryer won't fix. I don't iron. Never did. Probably never will.
It was kind of a relaxing weekend. We did "family grocery shopping" Saturday. Ben and Ted hit Sam's, Sophie and I hit WalMart. Makes for half the time and only one kid. We went to a hockey game Saturday evening. Ted was remembering when we went to the skating rink last February. They do a think where little kids can go out on the ice in their shoes and play. I need to do that again. He's all about ice skating now. We've watched football all afternoon. Go Steelers. Kind of a rough game . . . it's currently the 4th quarter.
Friday we met my friend Janny at the mall for lunch. She was in town for a training/workshop thing. I love when I get to see my friends. Friday evening, I went to a game night with some friends. We laughed hard and ate healthy. That was kind of a bummer! We're trying to eat healthier around this house - which translates to being hungry all the time. I miss my nightly bowl of ice cream. But when summer rolls around and I can fit into my clothes, it will be totally worth it!
Nothing really eventful happening in Charleston. We're suppossed to get 1-3 inches of snow tonight. Maybe we'll get some play in the snow time tomorrow! But I don't think we have any snow gear for Ted's current size. I'm sure we could make up something.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
BRRR . . . .
So, it's definitely cold. I've been sitting on a heating pad all afternoon with my layers of clothing on. Ted, on the other hand, I've had to bribe to keep his clothes on. The kid has no sense of cold. I forgot to take a picture of Sophie in her eskimo outfit today. I'll do that tomorrow.
I feel like we haven't sat down for several days. Monday I don't really remember. I'm sure it was busy. Tuesday we went to New Martinsville. Ben is doing program this summer at Rockbridge with Kirk Wilson. He is originally from New Martinsville but is the Area Director in Wheeling. So they are starting to plan. The kids and I tagged along. Ted was less than pleasant in the car. Sophie took a steller 30 minute nap in the car.
.
Check out Millie in this pic!
We went to the school where my Mom teaches Adult Basic Education and played with the preschool kids in the GREAT indoor play place they have. Sophie was a HUGE hit. John Pap put an overtired Sophie to sleep - he has some sort of magic touch or sleeping dust or something. Charlie and Valerie and Sara came to my parents for dinner. We tend to all be together when there's very little planning or thought that goes into it. I love spending time with our siblings and I love for my kids to spend time with their aunts and uncles. We had birthday cake and left around bedtime. Ben's Grandad was really sick and ended up in the hospital Tuesday evening. But it was much needed and he's on the mend.
Wednesday, Ben and I did dinner and the Marshall/WVU basketball at the Civic Center. It was kind of a bummer that the game was pretty one sided. But a great evening none the less.
This morning I had bible study and then I took Ben Santen, Ted and Sophie to the Clay Center. We do love it there. We stayed home all afternoon - too cold to go anywhere. Now everyone is tucked into bed and Ben's on his way home from worship rehearsal. This is a good snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie night!
I feel like we haven't sat down for several days. Monday I don't really remember. I'm sure it was busy. Tuesday we went to New Martinsville. Ben is doing program this summer at Rockbridge with Kirk Wilson. He is originally from New Martinsville but is the Area Director in Wheeling. So they are starting to plan. The kids and I tagged along. Ted was less than pleasant in the car. Sophie took a steller 30 minute nap in the car.
.
Check out Millie in this pic!
We went to the school where my Mom teaches Adult Basic Education and played with the preschool kids in the GREAT indoor play place they have. Sophie was a HUGE hit. John Pap put an overtired Sophie to sleep - he has some sort of magic touch or sleeping dust or something. Charlie and Valerie and Sara came to my parents for dinner. We tend to all be together when there's very little planning or thought that goes into it. I love spending time with our siblings and I love for my kids to spend time with their aunts and uncles. We had birthday cake and left around bedtime. Ben's Grandad was really sick and ended up in the hospital Tuesday evening. But it was much needed and he's on the mend.
Wednesday, Ben and I did dinner and the Marshall/WVU basketball at the Civic Center. It was kind of a bummer that the game was pretty one sided. But a great evening none the less.
This morning I had bible study and then I took Ben Santen, Ted and Sophie to the Clay Center. We do love it there. We stayed home all afternoon - too cold to go anywhere. Now everyone is tucked into bed and Ben's on his way home from worship rehearsal. This is a good snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie night!
Pictures
Hehaw . . . Ted pretending to be riding a horse after helping be my "trash guy." On garbage day, he helps collect the trash cans from around the house and then puts them all back.
Sophie entertaining herself with her reflection in the pole at Steak-N-Shake.
Ted entertaining himself and Sophie - she is sitting in the exersaucer.
Celery! Ted wanted to be like Lenny (I think he's the one) on Wonder Pets. Celery is Lenny's favorite snack and Ted thought it was awesome that we had some too.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Here we go Steelers
I did not put a fan in front of Sophie - she flapped her arms so much that it got it's very own windblown look.
Sophie didn't take a very good nap today and was quite cranky this evening. So, at one point, Sophie is watching a Baby Einstein on the big tv in the living room and Ted, Ben and I are piled in our bed watching the Steeler game on the little tv in our room.
Boys in their jerseys.
When Ted got bored with football, he retired to our bed to watch a dvd with Ming-Ming.
Sophie trying to eat the feet out of her pj's.
Ben was a champ watching the Steeler's game on the little tv, playing a game of Candy Land around the 3rd quarter, and other such nonsense!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Routine
We're getting back into our "normal" routine. I feel like we haven't been in a normal routine since before Thanksgiving. Our highlights of the week are:
- Ted went to all 3 mornings of preschool this week and Sophie went to her sitter her usual 2 days!
- Sophie is back to her sweet self. She is feeling completely better and is as content as ever.
- We went to a basketball game together as a family on Tuesday.
- Ben and I went out on a double date with some friends on Wednesday.
- I got a sitter one afternoon and got all Christmas stuff exchanged, got some groceries, and finished the list of errands that has continuously built over our sick days.
- I worked my 3 normal mornings this week. The first time in over a month. I am actually feeling caught up and am excited about some big projects that we're planning for January and February.
- Ben had WyldLife tonight. I took the kids and Ted ran around for awhile.
The bigger highlights:
* On Monday, I noticed that both of the two teeth Sophie has were turning BLACK!! I called my dentist and a pediatric dentist. Both asked if she had an trauma to her face. But a friend of ours who works for another pediatric dentist came over and scraped it right off. Evidently, formula will sometimes do that to some babies. Perhaps it's the generic formula. We'll just have to take extra good care of them and when she gets off formula go have her teeth really cleaned! It really kind of scared me. I was picturing her in high school with no teeth. But all is well now.
* Ted has really enjoyed playing with Sophie. This afternoon, he had Millie and Sophie all set up to play a game of Candy Land with him!! He is having a bit of a hard time getting dropped off at preschool this week and going to bed at night. We've had to set some hard and fast rules about bedtime. He is also saying his cluster sounds now - no more tage, tar, tacy, poon, etc. He's actually very excited about it. And lastly, this week, he made a "New Year's Resolution" page at preschool. He said that he wanted to learn how to ride his bike!!!! It was so neat for him to actually think that through.
- Ted went to all 3 mornings of preschool this week and Sophie went to her sitter her usual 2 days!
- Sophie is back to her sweet self. She is feeling completely better and is as content as ever.
- We went to a basketball game together as a family on Tuesday.
- Ben and I went out on a double date with some friends on Wednesday.
- I got a sitter one afternoon and got all Christmas stuff exchanged, got some groceries, and finished the list of errands that has continuously built over our sick days.
- I worked my 3 normal mornings this week. The first time in over a month. I am actually feeling caught up and am excited about some big projects that we're planning for January and February.
- Ben had WyldLife tonight. I took the kids and Ted ran around for awhile.
The bigger highlights:
* On Monday, I noticed that both of the two teeth Sophie has were turning BLACK!! I called my dentist and a pediatric dentist. Both asked if she had an trauma to her face. But a friend of ours who works for another pediatric dentist came over and scraped it right off. Evidently, formula will sometimes do that to some babies. Perhaps it's the generic formula. We'll just have to take extra good care of them and when she gets off formula go have her teeth really cleaned! It really kind of scared me. I was picturing her in high school with no teeth. But all is well now.
* Ted has really enjoyed playing with Sophie. This afternoon, he had Millie and Sophie all set up to play a game of Candy Land with him!! He is having a bit of a hard time getting dropped off at preschool this week and going to bed at night. We've had to set some hard and fast rules about bedtime. He is also saying his cluster sounds now - no more tage, tar, tacy, poon, etc. He's actually very excited about it. And lastly, this week, he made a "New Year's Resolution" page at preschool. He said that he wanted to learn how to ride his bike!!!! It was so neat for him to actually think that through.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year!
I'll update you on life since Christmas in pictures . . .
This is the DVD player Ted got for Christmas that has forever changed the way we travel! Our ride home from New Martinsville was the best EVER.
Ted even shared with Sophie. Bummer that they don't currently sit facing the same direction.
We have played about 300 games of Candy Land. Ted wins about 99% of the time. Seriously, Ben isn't the type of parent that would let his little kids win. It's a serious competition every time.
Ted got a much needed haircut and got rid of the rat tail.
Ted wakes up every morning and asks to put on his "football tuff." He wears it most of the day until he can be bribed out of it.
That snot, cold, crying stuff turned out to be RSV for Sophie. She got to do her very own breathing treatments. She is feeling MUCH better today. I would say it was definitely worse than anything Ted ever had.
Now that Sophie is sitting, she is able to interact a whole lot more with Ted. He is loving it. I put Sophie in her crib to play with a doll and came back to find this.
We went to Hibachi with some friends on New Years. Ted starts back to preschool Monday. Hopefully we've gotten all the sickness over with and we can go back to work on a real schedule and do some serious catch up. The tree came down today. Ben rearranged our room and did some major cleaning out of the house. I feel settled.
This is the DVD player Ted got for Christmas that has forever changed the way we travel! Our ride home from New Martinsville was the best EVER.
Ted even shared with Sophie. Bummer that they don't currently sit facing the same direction.
We have played about 300 games of Candy Land. Ted wins about 99% of the time. Seriously, Ben isn't the type of parent that would let his little kids win. It's a serious competition every time.
Ted got a much needed haircut and got rid of the rat tail.
Ted wakes up every morning and asks to put on his "football tuff." He wears it most of the day until he can be bribed out of it.
That snot, cold, crying stuff turned out to be RSV for Sophie. She got to do her very own breathing treatments. She is feeling MUCH better today. I would say it was definitely worse than anything Ted ever had.
Now that Sophie is sitting, she is able to interact a whole lot more with Ted. He is loving it. I put Sophie in her crib to play with a doll and came back to find this.
We went to Hibachi with some friends on New Years. Ted starts back to preschool Monday. Hopefully we've gotten all the sickness over with and we can go back to work on a real schedule and do some serious catch up. The tree came down today. Ben rearranged our room and did some major cleaning out of the house. I feel settled.
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