No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap...

by teresa

It's late...and I'm up.

I am just not tired. It may have to do with the fact that Ben and I took a 2 and a half hour nap today....but that's just a guess. We snuggled in bed (with Shorty) and lazed away the hot afternoon. Life is good!

Lauren is out right now (that may be another reason for me not being able to sleep) with a friend from church (Hunter...ring dance, remember). I don't feel like I can relax upstairs with her out. *the joys of parenting a teenage daughter* She will be back in a few minutes....and then maybe I will go upstairs and read until I get sleepy.

Ben had a great time at VBS. He saw lots of friends from school, soccer and karate....which made him very comfortable with me leaving him there. He's also been singing the theme song all evening *it's driving me insane already* I mean I'm glad he is so into it! Tomorrow we will pick up Kristian and Kai for day two of VBS fun! I'll make sure to take a picture of them in their cute "Arctic Edge" t-shirts. That's the name of the VBS...Arctic Edge. The sanctuary is set up to look like the Alaskan Outback. Pretty funny huh....since it's going to be like 100 degrees tomorrow!

I hope Nicky is having a good time at camp...and not missing his mommy too much. Ben remarked today that maybe he would like to go to kids camp next week. Huh? When the subject came up at the beginning of the summer he was like...NO WAY JOSE! But now all of sudden he feels like he wants to go. I'm not liking that...I think *I would miss him* he would miss me too much. It would be for 4 nights...at the same camp Nick is at this week. And if he went...Kristian would go too. He's never been away from me that long before. Only spending a night here and there with his grandparents. Hmmmmm...I'll have to really pray about it.

It's now after midnight so I'm heading upstairs. Goodnight to you all....and pleasant dreams!




oh...I forgot to tell you. Lauren made the cheering squad. She was very happy when she got the call this evening. Isn't that torture? After tryouts the girls have to go home and wait by the phone for the call from the coach to know if they made it or not. So tomorrow the INTENSE practices begin! This coach dont' play around...she is a slave driver!

The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.

by teresa

Yesterdays time was mostly spent on getting ready for Lauren's cookout. I think we went to the grocery store three times...because of forgotten items. Lots of teens came....and they all seem to have a good time. The pool was a big hit. The ages of kids (not including Nick and Ben) ranged from 14-19. But once in the pool...they all acted around 10years old.




























It was pretty fun to watch. After the pool they ate...and ate and ate and ate! Then they played DDR and then they broke out the board games....Life and then scene it. I think it was around 11:00pm when everyone left. Lauren had wanted the girls to spend the night...but then she remembered cheering tryouts are today. So she would need to be up and out early. At her school even if you have been on the squad for 3 years...you still have to try out each year. So there is always a chance of getting cut. She is pretty sure she is going to make it...but keep your fingers crossed for her anyway!
This morning I had Nick up at church at 6:50am. The bus for Jr. camp was leaving around 7:00. I am so glad he is going....he is going to have such a great time. The camp is in Prince George, Va. (which is only about and hour and half away) and it's our church conference's new facility. Much better than the church camp I went to as a kid(in Buckingham, Va.). It was woodsy...dirty...smelly and creepy! This camp has a skate park...paintball...swimming pool...etc. He will be returning Friday afternoon. Too bad it's going to be hot as hades this week for them! Our 7 day forecast had two 100 degree days in it....YIKES! I'm glad the camp has A/C. Here's a picture of all the kids before they left.



















In a few minutes I'm heading over to Katy's to pick up Kristian and Kai. A church around the corner from us is have VBS all this week and I signed all three of them up for it. It will give them something to do...besides drive us crazy! I hope to have a few minutes today to sit and catch up on all your blogs...I miss you when I go a day without reading.

Hasta la vista baby!

*stay cool*

yard sales make me happy....

by teresa

Yesterday was so wonderful. My Uncle and his family came over early in the morning. Us girls hit the yard sales in the area and the boys played at home. I found some amazing deals at the yard sales. Video games, toys for Kaden,sparring gear for Ben (the entire set for $10....I was about to order it from the dojo for $80),a couple of books,earrings, new Nike tennis shoes for Nick, a brand new Gymboree backpack, a water cooler to take to soccer practices, and some more keychains for Ben's keychain collection. What fun! Mom and Aunt Beth got some great deals too. Once home all 13 of us went out to lunch at The Surf Rider restaurant(great crabcakes) and then came home and played in the pool. We ordered pizzas for dinner so the kids could continue to play at home. They are leaving to go back to No. Va. this morning....we will miss them!
This afternoon Lauren is hosting a cookout/pool party for the church youth group. So I am about to run out to Walmart and get some yummies for everyone. I also need to get some travel size toiletries for Nicky....he will be leaving for church camp early in the morning, and I need to pack him up later.
Oh yeah...Chris got me a laptop so I will be able to be more organized for my PTA responsiblities. I can take it to the meetings...and enter the minutes right on the laptop now....very cool! My Uncle Jim got it all up and running for me yesterday...thank you Jimmy!
I'm off to the wall-of-mart. If I'm not back in 4 hours...send out a search party!

Here's some pictures of the kids fun yesterday.....

don't be rude....

by teresa
The wedding was nice last night. The bride and groom looked very much in love. Some of the people in attendance were lacking in basic social skills though. For instance ...taking pictures of everything during the wedding with their CAMERA PHONES!! Making that loud..click click camera phone noise every minute of the wedding. Also people got up and left the sanctuary...then came back in...then went out...then came back. HOW RUDE! The service was only 10 minutes long........sit down! And finally....some of the guest went straight to the buffet and started eating before the bride and groom were done with pictures. They were only taking pictures about 20 minutes....that's not long! People were on their second helpings before they even arrived. RUDE!
This morning my aunt Beth ...momma...and I are heading out to some yard sales. Chris and our boys are going to hang out with my uncle and his sons today while we are spending all their money (just kidding). Lauren will be at church helping at the Teen car wash/bake sale. So if your car is dirty...and your sweet teeth needs tending to....stop on by Parkway Temple in Chesapeake, Va. Here's some pictures of Chris and I before the wedding. Sorry about the blurring....Lauren didn't wipe off the camerea lens (humidity) before she snapped the picture.

to have and to hold...from this day forward....

by teresa

Here's what I have done today....

1. grocery store (I know...I just went! I can't wait until school starts back so our grocery usage gets back to normal)

2. Steinmart (got earrings, bracelet, wrap)

3. dusted furniture

4. moisturized feet

5. plucked eyebrows

6. played a hundred games of Frogger (against my will....Ben is driving my nuts)


We have family coming in from Northern Va. tonight. My uncle Jim(mom's little brother) and Aunt Beth and their two sons. My mothers' other brothers' son (my cousin Christian) is getting married tonight. I love weddings!! So it will be nice to get dressed up and celebrate together this evening. Hence...the aforementioned eyebrow plucking. Lauren will be taking the boys out to dinner while we are at the wedding. So everyone will be happy.....well maybe not everyone. Chris is not thrilled about going. What is it with guys and weddings....they turn into little boys..."please don't make me go mommy....please, please, please"!

I hope the wedding cake looks like this! Yum! :0)


I will make sure to get pictures of us all dolled up tonight.

Have a great Friday!

3 funny things said by my husband this morning...

by teresa

1. "I had a dream last night that I got hit by a car full of midgets at Lauren's prom". "The accident made my face hang off".

2. "I told you clowns were bad"! (after seeing a commercial for John Wayne Gacy story on the discovery Channel) My husband Chris HATES clowns! He's skeered! hee hee

3. "You are so beautiful". "Ben...isn't your mommy so beautiful"? He said this as I am making the bed in my pajamas (polka dot boxers/t-shirt)...not yet showered and sporting a terrible case of bedhead. He's a funny man!

Friday Funnies...

by teresa

Goodbye Old Friend

By Chris

Got some bad news that a longtime colleague in my office is heading to another opportunity (bad news because she's my best buddy at work . . . good for her though). We've worked together 12 years, much of it collaborating on the most meaningful successful work of my career. Our current roles have meant we have not done much "work" together in a few years, but on the days when I am in the office, we almost always grab lunch at the sametime (even if it's cans of soup usually in the kitchen). We share the same sense of humor and perspectives on personalities we encounter. So, our lunch sessions are typically spent laughing and joking. We review the headlines together. Joke about our family members, whose story lines we share and update like Soap Operas. I swear it's like being in high school hanging out with friends during lunch with my buddy. For someone like me who can't stand to sit still in my office, I find myself counting down to lunch. Breaks the days up nicely. In a true testament to our connection, I am going to be in town and at her farewell luncheon at the China Garden next week (I typically have a don't-go-to-these-type-of-things policy . . . which Teresa says is horrible). The policy works too, because I usually don't get invited anymore to the "after hours" stuff. I send gifts though, when appropriate. But, I digress. Teresa calls this buddy my "work wife" affectionately. She'll still be local, so I'm sure we'll stay in touch. But it won't be the same. Goodbye buddy. It won't be the same without you!

blah blah blah blah blah....sorry, I couldn't think of a title!

by teresa

I had to be at school this morning for a PTA meeting. Nick had already left for school....so Lauren watched Ben for me since she doesn't have to be a cheering until 1:00. I walk in at 11:30 and Ben says....mom, can I have BREAKFAST? Apparently Lauren forgot to feed the boy! How rude! I'm surprised he didn't speak up...or take it upon himself to get his own breakfast.
I am instant messaging with Chris right now as I write this post. I'm sooooo tempted to write something "dirty"...but he would probably kill me since it goes through the system at work. Have you seen that commercial..where the man is in a meeting and his wife sends him a message over the computer and a picture of herself...and he excuses himself quickly for lunch and runs out of the board room for home? I should do that! hee hee hee
Not really much planned for today. Just karate this evening and Old country buffet for dinner. We go every thursday night because kids eat free! $20 for the four of us ain't bad! I can't even cook for that much! I say four of us because Lauren hardly ever graces us with her presence! The other day Chris and I discussed how it feels like we only have two kids most of the time. Nick and Ben. It feels this way because Lauren (now 17) is hardly ever home. With a part-time job, friends, and a car...she is MIA most days. With Nick and Ben I am making decisions for them from the moment they get up...to the moment their head hits the pillow. What are they going to wear....have for breakfast...activities for the day...watch on tv...etc. With Lauren...if I'm lucky she eats one dinner with us in a week. Most of her meals are eaten outside of the home, with friends. I think she has sat down and watched tv with us maybe once in the past month. Most of her social time is without us. I scan through all the pictures I have taken recently, (cookouts,the pool,beach) and she is not in any of them.
Oh well...I guess that's just God's way of weening me from her....since college is coming so soon.

I thought of a few more questions to ask you guys:

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? As a child I wanted to be a roofer. My dad was one...and I loved the thought of being on top of the buildings. As a young adult I wanted to teach special needs children (speach therapy). Then I started having kids...and that was that! Maybe I'll go back to school one day.

2. Are your children named after anyone? Who? Lauren Paige (my mom is Karen Page)...Nicholas Wesley (FIL is George Wesley)...Benjamin Reid (Chris' grandparents last name was Reid)

3. Have you ever witnessed a baby being born? Yes...Kaden (my neice) was the first baby I have ever seen born in person. It was seriously the coolest hing I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also got to cut the chord and go to the nursery with her for the first bath and shots :)

4. How young are you? 35...36 in Sept.

5. Did you play sports as a kid? Yes...softball and soccer

6. What is the last job you had (before stay at home mom)? Traffic coordinator for national radio news network.
If you are a working mommy.....you go girl!!

That's all for now....hope your day is filled with sunshine and hugs from your family!

I was going to do a "wordless wednesday" (when you just post a picture)...but who am I kidding! I can't just sit there and shut up!

by teresa




I wish I was back here again! Sitting on the beach...watching the kids playing in the Atlantic.

*sigh*







*back to reality*

I have had a very productive day. I made a to-do list last night....and have now checked everything off. It wasn't cleaning or anything. Just stuff like...pick up my glasses from eye doctor...register the kids for VBS...download and fill out Nick's church camp registration...fill out Lauren's 9 page cheering application/physical form...do some prep for out PTA meeting in the morning...etc. I also went to the thrift store. It was like a treasure trove. I got 2 brand new pairs of pants for Ben and 3 pairs of pants for Kristian for back to school. I also got some cute shoes for Kristian and myself and an armful of childrens books. You know that makes me a happy woman!
I'm about to head off to church and then rush home to watch So You Think You Can Dance!

I found these pictures on my camera....Lauren has obviously been playing with it again.

Middle aged is when you choose your cereal for the fiber...and not the toy!

by teresa

You know you are getting old when...

1. At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.
2. Your back goes out but you stay home.
3. When you wake up looking like your driver's license picture.
4. It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
5. When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio
6. When happy hour is a nap.
7. When you're on vacation and your ENERGY runs out before your money does.
8. Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
9. It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
10. Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.
11. The twinkle in your eye is merely a reflection from the sun on your bifocals.
12. It takes twice as long - to look half as good.
13. You look for your glasses for half an hour and they were on your head the whole time.
14. You have more patience, but it is actually that you just don't care anymore.
15. You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't even remember being on top of it.

“One thing a mother must always save for a rainy day is patience”

by teresa
It's been rainy here in my neck of the woods. With the boys cooped up and restless I decided to let them make and decorate cupcakes. Ben and I had found these cool shaped foils at the store the other day. They turned out really cute. The cakes popped right out of the molds...no sticking at all! They used orange dreamsicle cake mix and cream cheese icing. Have mercy!! Here's a little collage of their work.




























I'm bored. Ben keeps hounding me to play Frogger with him (2player). My fingers hurt I have played so much! Nick came home with information about a party the last day of summer school. Are you kidding me? It's only two weeks of classes and they want to have a party? The notice from the teacher requested that we bring in something from russian cuisine. ???? I will hop online later....I'm sure there are some russian recipes sites out there. Tonight is the boys karate class....and I don't have the motivation to go. It's raining....my hair looks poopy....and all I want to do is crawl into bed and read. But...the boys are looking forward to class. So I must forge on! Chris is in Greenville today...I have no idea when his flight comes back tonight. So no cooking ...I think I'll just pick up the boys dinner on the way to karate. Lauren is working till 9:45 so I don't have to worry about her dinner either.
I sincerely hope you guys days have been more exciting than mine!

Later gators...

question time....you will be graded on this!

by teresa

I got this wonderful idea from Ms. Zephra. These are just a few "get to know ya better" questions. You can answer them in my comments.

1. Where did you meet your husband? At church. He also went to my school...but we first spoke at a church lock-in as teenagers.

2. How old were you when you had your first child? 18 years old! Phew...I was just a baby!!

3. Name one of your bad habits. Chris says my worst habit is telling people too much about myself. hahahahaha

4. What was your first car? A VW Rabbit. The license plate read...CRZy4C

5. What kind of car do you drive now? A mom-mobile! I mean an 02 Dodge Caravan.

6. What is your dream car? This beauty! 2006 Volvo XC90 V8

7. What is the last book you read(for yourself...not to your kids)? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

8. Last meal you cooked and when? Chicken Florentine....last night

9. How do you get to sleep(ex. read,watchtv, listen to the radio,nothing)? I usually lay in bed and read...I fall asleep easily when I do this.

10. Do you go to a salon...a friend...or cut your hair yourself? My sister cuts my hair. She isn't a hairstylist or anything. But she does a pretty good job anyway. I have cut my hair before though. It was crooked after I finished and I had to get Chris to fix it in the back.

inspirational...

by teresa

All us folk here in the Hampton Roads area MUST go out and cheer these guys on at the finish line in September. What a wonderful story. I read about them over at Snickerdoodles blog...and they are truly amazing! Check out this video (get your tissues first).

Dont look directly at the picture of the baby in the glasses and sunhat..exposure to such extreme levels of cuteness may be hazardous to your health!

by teresa

It's been so pretty here today. Hot....but a little less humid than last week. Ben and I went to the grocery store then came home and got in the pool. Katy and the kids were over (surprise) so we just joined in the fun. Once Nick got home from school he asked to go over a friends house...it's a few blocks over, so I ran him there and then picked him up an hour and a half later. Chris and I both signed up for AOL's instant messager today. It's pretty neat. Lauren and her friends have communicated this way for a long time. All day long we chatted back and forth whenever we happened to be on the computer. Between the blackberry, the blog, the phone and now IM...we won't ever have to communicate face to face again. As a matter of fact....when he came home this evening I was in the kitchen cooking. He sat at the table and opened his laptop to send a couple of emails to coworkers. He said to me...why don't you go in the other room...so we can IM each other. hahahahaha So I went in the other room...and we chatted silly stuff for a while. We have sunk to a new level of dorkdom!
Here's some pics. from the day.

My Back is Out of Whack

By Chris

"Oh my aching back," I've heard people say a lot. Now I understand. Something that will go undisclosed seems to have injured my back. For a couple of days now, certain movements cause this radiating pain to hit me. Laying down doesn't help. Sitting down doesn't help. It's funny how your back is connected to so much else, because now it's making my neck and my legs hurt! Darn! I was thinking about laying in the bed today with it, but it felt just as bed laying there this a.m. as when I got up . . . so why not just do something, if you're going to hurt anyway? Off to work I went. Got about 5 hours roundtrip driving tomorrow, so that should be fun.

this post is so boring...it doesn't even deserve a title...

by teresa

I am so pathetic! I helped in puppet class (I was Teekaboo) at church yesterday. Which means another person and myself did a five minute puppet show based on the lesson. After about 2 minutes of having my arm sticking straight in the air (we are behind a puppet stage) it felt like it weigh 100 pounds! Seriously....I thought I would die! That's just sad.
Kai's sunday school teacher pulled me aside in the hall and said that she was asking the children what makes them afraid. When she got to Kai he said....I'm not afraid of anything! I'm the MAN OF THE HOUSE...don't you know! That's so cute....and so sad! He's only 5 and he has to feel this way. His dad (my sister's ex) left them...has now remarried (a woman with 2 young children) and now they are expecting their own child. I just have ONE question. HOW IN THE WORLD DOES A PARENT LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN?????????? How can you stand not knowing what they are doing all the time...what they ate for dinner...what they drew in school today...why they are crying or moody? grrrrr let's move on....
When we got home I grilled out the steaks and burgers. We were about to grill out Saturday night....but ended up going out to dinner with Chris' parents instead. After our meatfest...we all went upstairs and took a nap. It was wonderful. Lauren went over her friend Andrew's(from church) house. Nick ended up riding his bike over Jackie and George's...but Ben snuggled between Chris and I and we three slept for over two hours! I don't know why...but a Sunday afternoon nap feels better than any other nap time.
The most interesting show was on TLC last night....it was called The Smallest People in the World. It was the story of these four children in the US who are primordial dwarves. They were super tiny (like one young girl was a little over 2 feet...weighing like 16 pounds...age 16). They were very interesting kids with amazing personalities. There are only like 100 like them in the world (40 in the US).
Today there's not much planned to do today. Nick already left for school. He was very tired when I woke him this morning. I was thinking of letting him stay home and sleep(which would mean I would get to sleep)...but I ended up getting up and fixing him breakfast. The smell of waffles brought him downstairs quickly. Ten minutes later he was full...dressed and eager to get on the bus. Lauren spent the night at a friends (our pastors daughter). Then she has cheering from 1-4 and then work tonight. Chris will be heading to work soon...and Ben and I plan to go to the grocery store. Need me to pick something up for you while I'm there?

Well...I'm off to shower and begin my day. Hopefully something interesting will happen today that is blogworthy....because this post was B.O.R.I.N.G!

Ciao...

Rise and Shine!

by teresa

I woke the boys up with a SHOUT OUT to Jesus this morning! hee hee
You may think it was mean.....but it worked! They hopped right up. They got dressed quickly and came down for their waffles and juice(the breakfast du jour around here lately). Usually Sunday mornings are a tornado of grumpiness, sleepyheads, and attitude!

I would have done it to Lauren too...but frankly...she scares me in the morning! :)

Here's a video of their awakening.

Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering....

by teresa

I'm just stopping in to say a quick "hi" to you all. The day has gone by so quickly....but it was wonderful! I spent most of the day to myself. Walking and shopping in beautiful historic downtown Ghent. I went to antique stores and baby boutiques...bookstores and an art gallery. and then I got lunch at an old diner called "the dog n burger". I didn't buy much on my outings...just some outfits for Kaden's birthday (which is August 2nd). I just got home from picking up the boys from karate and they are exausted! They said a good time was had by all. I tell you what....it was the best $100 I've spent in a looooong time! I got a date night...and a day all to myself. Too bad this is only a summer karate clinic. Maybe I should push for them to start a "fall" karate clinic...and a "winter" karate clinic...and so on! hee hee
Well...I'm off to throw some steaks on the grill for dinner. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”

by teresa
Tonight while the boys were at karate...Chris and I went out to eat at Vivo italian restaurant. Before we had even ordered our drinks I excused myself to the restroom. My head has been very stuffy all day...and I needed to blow my nose real bad. Well...if you know me...you know what happens sometimes when I blow my nose. That's right folks....a nosebleed! It took almost 15 minutes to stop the bleeding. Poor Chris sat out at the table not knowing what the heck happened to me. He said the waitress kept coming up to take the order but I wasn't there. I was sitting in a stall stuffing tissue into my nostrils...and gagging up blood! When my nose bleeds....it pours! What a fun...romantic date! I did finally get it under control and joined Chris in the booth. We laughed about it and ordered. The food was wonderful and we took our time eating it. We ended up going to the karate session a little early to check out one of the classes. It was called Martial Arts Movie Moves. It was pretty cool. All these flying, spinning,tornado kicks. At least that's what the instructor was doing....the 50 kids were looking more like the three stooges trying to immitate the teacher. We came home and the boys went right to bed. The sessions begin again tomorrow morning at 9:00am. They go until 5:00pm. Did you hear that....I have an entire Saturday TO MYSELF!!! Chris asked if he could run around with me on my errands. I guess I will allow him to tag along. *grin*
Right now it is midnight...and Chris and I are up playing Frogger! I know ....we are such geeks! Chris won't go to bed until he has beaten the time record on rescuing all the baby frogs. hahahahahaha! I love that man!!!
Oh great! I just sneezed and my nose started to bleed again. I blame it on the heat! It makes my nose so dry! Well let me go before I make a mess over here.

*goodnight...sleep tight*

man...is it HOT or what?

by teresa

Dear God,
Enough with the heat already!! I get it...it's summer! Now can I have a little breeze please?
Thank you!
Love,
Teresa

For some reason this song keeps running through my head today...

I'm Mister Green Christmas
I'm Mister Sun
I'm Mister Heat Blister
I'm Mister Hundred and One
They call me Heat Miser,What ever I touch
Starts to melt in my clutch
I'm too much!

I never want to see a day
That's under sixty degrees
I'd rather have it eighty,Ninety, one hundred degrees!
Oh, some like it hot, but I like it
REALLY hot! Hee hee!

Do any of you remember the Heat Miser?

Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts....

by teresa

This afternoon was craft time at the Green homestead. Chris even joined in. Nick made a necklace and bracelet for a friend at karate and Chris and Ben decorated foam drink holders. Chris got very creative and created a litle bikini for one of his penguin stickers. He also made one of his penguins into Superman. I SO had to blog this!!

If You Can . . . I can

By Chris

Hey. Hold on. Sexy man picture posted by my wife! That is so Demitri too . . . shirt half open. Prett sure it wasn't dance steps but abs that got him this far. Of course, my fave . . . is the host. She ain't going nowhere. And she won't be getting all giddy over Demitri anymore either. Since D is here . . . here is Cat. But you have to listen to her to get the full effect. Very cool British accent.

And, yes, I know we're old and geeky now . . . watching these type of shows.

“If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle: "Take two aspirin" and "Keep away from children".”

by teresa

I am feeling just a bit yucky today. I had a killer headache this morning...so Chris was a sweetie and got Nick off to school for me so I could sleep in. Now that I'm up...my tummy hurts a little bit too....great! Chris and Lauren went to work...so it's just me and Ben. I really don't feel like doing anything outside of the house this morning...so I guess we will just sit and read after I fix him breakfast. He just came trotting down the stairs at 9:45. Yesterday he slept until 10:30....havy mercy you lazy bum!

Lauren told me yesterday about something that happened at work the day before yesterday. Some weird, creepy looking guy came through her line. She was working the express line (Target). He kept handing her the items one at a time to scan instead of putting them on the belt. When she was bagging some things he reached over himself (like he was doing her a favor) and scanned a really big box himself. She was being typical Lauren (not paying attention when she should) and didn't even check to see what the box was...or how much it scanned for. She gave him the total., he payed and off he went. A manager came running over and asked her how much that mans total was...Lauren looked back on the reciepts and told him $30. Then the manager motioned for security who pounced on the man as he was walking out the doors! It seems he had taken a sticker off a TACO BOX and put it on a TELEVISION and Lauren didn't even notice! Duuuuuuhhhhh!!!!!!!! They told her she needs to be more aware and careful....and I think she will be after that happened!

So You Think You Can Dance made me very upset last night! My guy Dimitri was voted off! He's not the best dancer(in my opinion that's Travis)....but he was so cute and seemed so sweet! I will miss him!



The boys are very excited about the Summer Karate Clinic they will be attending this weekend. There will be many senseis from across the U.S. there...teaching the kids their specialities. Like swords, board breaking,chinese star throwing,stranger attack simulation,flipping,sparring and much..much more. I'm sure we will have lots of photos for your viewing enjoyment. Chris and I still havn't figured out where will will go on our date tonight. I'll let you know what I choose.

The parks and recreation center sent Chris a letter this week. It seems it is almost time for fall soccer signups. I can't even belive that. I love coaching fall soccer so much more than spring. Mostly because of the weather. Fall...is my favorite season. Cool...but not cold enough for a big coat. Jeans and sweatshirt....layers...that's how I like it! Also it's when school starts back up(yes Lord, yes Lord, yes,yes Lord) and then there are high school football games! We never miss them. Lauren attends our old alma mater...so Chris and I really get into the sports program there. It doesn't hurt that she is on the varsity cheer squad either.

Well I'm off to fix Ben's breakfast.

*until we meet again*

Nick's Night Out

By Chris

Last night Nick rushes in from Karate and changes his clothes, putting on one of his nicer shirts. Weird, I thought. "I have a party to go to," he informed me. "Oh, good. Who's?" I ask. "Mr. Ed's," he replies. That's our grown neighbor down the street. Husband of his bus driver. He makes his way down there pretty often to find the company he likes to keep most: Adults. So, off he went. He didn't return for several hours. Went the distance at the adult party, I guess. I hope he doesn't get on their nerves, butHe said he spent a lot of time speaking to the man's dad, who has Alzheimers, which he has done before. Doesn't freak him out at all . . . in fact he is fascinated by him. Sweet.

Could She Go . .. Update

By Chris

Last night, more unprompted college discussion from Lauren. Somebody's talking to her. She comes in and says "How far away is East Carolina University?" Hmmm. No way to commute there from here, and I ain't moving to Greenville. To be continued . . .

Feeling Independent?

By Chris

For the longest time, Lauren has been very iffy about leaving the house when college starts (and now it's only a year away). She has pretty much made up her mind that she is going to ODU . . . just a few miles away (I love my ODU . . . so that's fine by me . . . and she can score free extra student tickets maybe to go along with my season basketbal tix). That would mean that she could stay at home. Teresa is all for this too. She likes to keep track of her babies (and she is an excellent mommy!). From time to time, I mention that just because it is close, doesn't mean she can't still live there. They've just built a new village with retail and apartment style dorms and a new quad-plex of dorms is going up as we speak that are to be state-of-the-art. I usually get these looks from both of them that make me shiver when I bring this up (they are the two ladies of the house, and it's best to keep them happy, really)!

Well something is changing. I'm guessing Lauren has been talking to some friends also bound for ODU. Last night she casually says, "I could live with some people over by ODU, right?" Teresa came out of her half-listening-to-Lauren, half-tv-watching mode quick, and immediately shot a look over to me (it said something like, you just hush up and don't encourage this knucklehead idea!). Of course, I couldn't comply. I said it certainly was possible. I did it that way, and still hang out with my twin roomies during bball season (we have season basketball tickets together). Teresa said maybe in year two, when she shows what she can do. I'm sure she's having visions of wild parties, and such.

I don't think we've heard the last of this!

Shave and a haircut....Two bits!

by teresa

Ben was complaining about his hair so much(it's getting in my eyes,it's flipping up in the back,it's touching my ears,etc.)...that I buzzed it right off! It's his first buzz cut ever. I figure with it being summer and all...he should feel cooler with that mop of his gone! Katy usually gives him all his haircuts...but I figured I couldn't mess up a buzz cut. Just put on the number 8 clipper gaurd...and away we go!

Here's the before...



















and here's the after...
























Katy also cuts my hair and Laurens. I take Nick to get his done professionally. His hair has like 20 cowlicks in it...so we are not trying to touch that! Do you guys ever cut your kids hair....or do you take them somewhere to get it done?

"Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."

by teresa

How was your hump day? Mine went great! Ben and I totally vegged on the couch in our jammies till like 11:00am. We watched a movie and colored some pictures....now that's some good fun right there!

Nick got home around 1:00pm (I had homemade tacos waiting for him) and he was jabbering away during lunch about school. He really enjoyed it...and I'm happy about that. The funny thing is...we thought he was going to be taking spanish. The form I filled out said introduction to foreign language....and it had several choices of languages available. Well, once he was there they assigned languages to the kids. And Nick was assigned...Russian! He was fine with it...so I'm fine with it. I mean...this is only a 2 week class for fun ....offered to fill the kids idle time during the summer.

I stitched up the couch and washed the shower curtains yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do around the house today. I washed clothes(what everybody wore yesterday) before I went to bed last night....so there's no laundry to do today. I was yelling...Everybody take off your clothes NOW and get in your jammies so I can get this last tub in the washer. The boys thought this was great and immediately got naked. What is it about boys and being naked. They love it...I think they'd run around naked all the time if we would let them.

Last night before church I took Nick to his new school. They had sent home a letter the last day of school about a summer accelerated reader program. It stated that the school library would be open every Wednesday night during the summer for the children to check out books and then take AR tests on the books. And that all points earned during the summer, would count toward the first nine weeks of school. It also stated that if 5 points were accumulated over the summer...there would be big rewards come September! Accelerated reader is a computerized reading incentive program for students at all levels. It is in all the schools here...from kindergarden to high school. The children read any book that is on the list(the lists for each school's books in our city are at all the local libraries). Take a comprehension quiz on the computer. Earn points to win prizes. The books have different point values based on how hard the book is. Like, Junie b. Jones...is 1 point. Harry Potter... is 30 points. Some teachers make it mandatory to count as part of the children's reading grade (like you have to earn 5 points a nine weeks). But most teachers just encourage it...and give prizes for every 5 points you get. Well last night Nick earned 37 points! He took a test on this book...and this book. He was so excited...he said that next week he wants to try to take 4 tests while he's there. I also made friends with the new librarian and her assistant. They took my name and number to try to book me for some volunteer hours. You all KNOW how much I will love that!!

We recieved a wonderful package in the mail this week. It was like Christmas in July!! A young woman at Chris work read on our blog how much we were enjoying playing "old school" playstation games with the kids ....so she mailed us a slew of cool games she had stored in her closets. We all had so much fun yesterday afternoon. DigDug has been replaced with Frogger!! I *heart* Frogger!! I was SO kicking everybody's butt at it! I just want to give a big shout out to that sweet gift giving lady...THANK YOU SANTA!!

Friday night...and all day Saturday...the boys karate school is putting on their annual summer karate clinic. So you know what that means....DATE NIGHT!! Chris doesn't know it yet...but he is taking me out! I think I want Italian. What would your ultimate date dinner be? Tell me! Inquiring minds want to know!

So...did anybody watch SoYouThinkYouCanDance last night? I don't like how they broke up the couples....it mad me sad! I still think Travis (from VaBeach) is really great! I also love Allison....she is so pretty...and dances beautifully. Chris had a thing for the host. He thinks she's all that..and a bag of chips! That's okay with me...I am watching for some of this! If you watch the show...tell me who your favorites are.

Well...Nick's off to school. I was so tired when the alarm went off...I promised myself that as soon as he left I would crawl right back in bed. But NOOOO....now I'm all wide awake! I think I'll go sit out back and read the paper. Hope you wonderful people have a wonderful day!

Th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!

to the bus...

by teresa

Good morning!

Nick's summer school (introduction to Spanish) started today. So I had to set my alarm for the first time since school ended. The boys and I have been sleeping till 9:00 or 9:30 most mornings. So 6:30am was a bit of a shock to my system. Nick, on the other hand popped right out of bed with no problem. I had him take a shower last night... so all he would have to do in the morning was dress and eat(waffles and juice). One of the things he was most excited about was riding the bus. Our neighbor (two doors down) Mrs. Pat is the summer school bus driver...so she had told him if he was there by 7:00 (school begins at 8:00) he could go with her to get the bus each morning. Of course he took her up on this offer! Eventhough it meant getting up an hour earlier.

He will be home around 12:30...so Ben and I will just hang out (play with his cars and read)together till then. Nick asked me to not do anything fun until he gets home!

Once Lauren and Chris leave for work I will do my morning chores (make beds...scrape up a tub of clothes to wash...unload dishwasher). Right now...I'm going to just sit here and enjoy my alone time!

Todays project will be stitching up some ripped seams on the back of the couch.

adieu..to you...and you and you and you...

Almost There

By Chris

Alright. Almost home. Waiting for a connecting flight now for the last leg. A fortunate and extremely rare twist: scored upgrades on both flights today, all seems to be on-time, and my connecting flight is at the gate right next to my arriving gate! That's unheard of, especially in Atlanta where there are hundreds of gates. Had a somewhat embarrassing breakfast this a.m. Used to hotels like Residence Inn and Courtyard having free breakfast, I walked down to the lobby through a back hallway, picked up a plate and prepared myself a nice protein-filled breakfast. Pretty soon, a waitress came over to me acting really strange . . . "Uhh, good morning sir. Would you like any juice," she said as she put salt and pepper on my table and gave me a place setting. I already had a drink, which I had served myself. Strange, I thought. Then I noticed she was waiting on people. That's weird. These setups don't usually come with service. Then, I noticed them seat a family who walked to the front of the eating area. And I spotted a cash register at a small kiosk. Yep, I had just walked through a back entry and served and seated myself in a restarurant! Without even realizing it! I confirmed it when I noticed a menu in the condements holder. The buffet was but one of the options, and you had to indicate what you wanted (eggs were extra, waffles a different price etc.). I thought it was an awefully nice setup. And, I swear the last time I was there it was a serve-yourself free breakfast. I finally told the lady what I had done, she laughed . . . and brought me a bill based on what I had eaten.

“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing”

by teresa

Okay...somebody please stop me! I am out of control! I have been on this cleaning kick and I can't stop myself. I know I have "thought" my house was clean up to this past weekend....but it wasn't. It was all an illusion. On the outside...perfection! Behind the cabinets...inside drawers....open up the closets...and it looked like this!


But not anymore...I have been a lean(well maybe not so much), mean(just ask my kids and they'll confirm), cleaning machine! I have now made it so that I can open any drawer...any cabinet...any closet...anywhere in the entire house (except attic space) and see nothing but organization. I even tackled the boys toys closet today. I put all the right peices to all the games and puzzles. Threw out all those happy meal doodads and broken toys. I even made a list of everything that is in need of new batteries. I am so pleased with myself! I think I will celebrate by stripping to my underwear and laying on the floor(that smells like this) and making carpet angels in every clean room(after everyone goes to sleep of course...I mean...I don't want to frighten the children).

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you...

by teresa

Well..today started out pretty good. The boys and I played games and watched a movie (Little Manhattan) which was very good! Lauren went to cheering practice until 3:00. I had told them all that once Lauren came home, I was going to run out by myself. I wanted to pick up some things to help me organize the cabinets under the bathroom sinks. She came home and I left. I was only gone about 35 minutes. In that 35 minutes...all (H-E-double hockey sticks) broke loose at home! I had several calls (from Ben) alerting me to the fact that (in his own words) SISSY IS BEING MEAN!!! SHE IS NOT PLAYING WITH US!!! And then I hear Nick in the background yelling...SISSY IS HURTING ME!!! COME HOME...NOW!!! To which I hear Lauren respond...MOM!! I HAVE NOT TOUCHED EITHER OF THEM!! THEY ARE BEING UNCONTROLLABLE!! THEY LOCKED ME OUT OF THE OFFICE AND CRAWLED OUT OF THE WINDOW!!!
Have mercy!! I ended up hanging up on them because everybody was screaming at me. I got what I needed to get at Target...and headed home. I pulled up and Nick was outside up against the side of momma's house. I motioned to him (the stern nonverbal POINT TO HIM and POINT TO THE HOUSE). He went in immediately. I brought in my bags...unpacked them and racked my brain as to which punishment would be most fitting. Then it hit me....THE BOOKCASE!! Remember the bookcase mom got me for Christmas? Well I still hadn't put it together yet. So I set Ben down to wait for me...then I gave my orders to Nick and Lauren. I told them to bring in all the boxes (the bookcase was in 3 big boxes) and Dad's toolbox and get busy. I figured the best punishment for them was to have to sit together for THREE HOURS and put something together! They did it! I heard them yelling at each other a few times behind the closed door. But 3 hours later...I had my bookcase. While they were doing that I had Ben helping me clean out under the bathroom sinks and in all the drawers. I also had him running up and down the stairs for any and everything I needed brought to me...or taken to the trashcan. They are all three sitting on the couch laughing and watching a movie together right now. I hope a good nights sleep (and my prayers) will bring better sibling relationships tomorrow.
How do your kids get along? Are mine the only little monsters who hiss and snap at each other when I leave the room?
Here's a picture of their punishment........I mean a picture of my beautiful bookcase. I even put some books in it already.

Halfway Home - Strange People in ATL

By Chris

Atlant and Charlotte - Monday and Tuesday - are the only travel for the week. Sitting in Atlanta waiting to make my way to Charlotte now.

Cha-ching . . . scored the complementary 1st class upgrade this morning, and had the strangest lady beside me. She was an intense kind of high-maintenence type. She had stuff spread out everywhere when we were boarding. It looked like she had unpacked right there in the first class cabin. Bags open, stuff strewn about. She eventually settled on keeping these things out for the flight: a furry mask that covered her eyes; a neck contraption that she blew up with her mouth and some toiletry things. She made two trips to the airplane bathroom, BEFORE we even left the gate. At 5:45 in the morning all that activity was a bit much . . . as the rest of the first class cabin was completely subdued. In first class, one of the benefits is that you get on first and are served drinks. You get to sip them and watch the poor souls heading back to the small seats (my usual destination). Well, high maint. woman spilled hers all over herself. The flight attendant gave her a look like, "Good lord woman . . . if you would sit still that probably wouldn't happen." Trip #3 to the lav followed. Once airborn, she got up, walked around a bit, making another bathroom trip, then stood in her seat to retrieve some MORE stuff from her bag in the overhead compartment, then retreated to the empty seat in front of us which allowed her to spread out over two seats and put her feet up on the wall in front. It was all just way too much drama and prep for a 1.5 hour flight. She was absolutely stir crazy. She said she was headed to LA. Yikes.

While waiting for the train from the airport in morning, there was a woman holding a bunch of newspapers talking to herself. She was a little off . . . but she was happy, making herself laugh with her stories. I made the mistake of sitting on the other end of the bench from her. As soon as my butt hit the seat, the self-talking and laughing stopped, and she snapped her head towards me, saying "Go on, my bench, my bench, go on, my bench." I got up, and she continued her conversation with herself.

The only other exciting news of the day came when the MARTA train lost power. Stalled, lights out, in a tunnel. Didn't last long though.

I found a use for all those old VHS tapes in the closet...

by teresa

These guys have WAAY to much time on their hands. On the other hand....this would be more enjoyable than cleaning up all our junk. We could just line up all the mess and make a game out of it!

my hands smell like pledge...

by teresa

It's quiet over here today. I like that! After we got home from church this morning I made grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for lunch. Nice and simple! The boys have been playing with their zillion match box cars and Lauren has been playing around on the computer. I got the itch to clean...so I tackled the refridgerator...the microwave (yuck) and under the sofa cushions! Those things kinda get pushed to the side when I do my everyday cleaning and straightening. So it was quite a task. But now that it's done I feel so good! Especially the microwave. It looks brand new when scrubbed out. I wonder how long it will stay like that. I also ran the vacuum and dusted. I think I'm going to run out to Bed Bath & Beyond in a minute to pick up some of this...since a hole mysteriously appeared on my sofa yesterday!

What are you guys up to today? Anything exciting? What did ya have for lunch?

I've been looking on amazon.com and I think that I really need this...and this...and this!

adieu...until we meet again...

boring Saturday....

by teresa

We've kinda kept in the house today...it's really hot outside!

Although Chris did mow the grass early this morning before the heat became overwhelming.

Nick went with mom to the daddy's house...they cleaned it from top to bottom for his birthday.

Then Nick and I went to the grocery store while Chris went with his parents to buy a new tv for their bedroom.

Ben slept over Katy's house last night and has continued to play with Kai since their arrival here around noon.

We have watched about 4 episodes of dirty jobs...and played around on itunes.

Now we are heading out to the ChinaGarden for dinner.

Hope your Saturday has been more exciting than ours!

Feliz Cumpleaños Mi Abuelo...joyeux anniversaire...Glücklicher Geburtstag...compleanno felice...Happy Birthday grandaddy!!!

by teresa

This post is mostly for our out of town family who couldn't be here this evening. We miss you guys and can't wait until your next visit! Here's some pictures from The Daddy's 89th birthday party.




























He loved all his gifts...especially the paintings from the boys. He enjoyed the cake too...he had two pieces...which is not the norm for him. But he said it was just so good! Mom also made him a yummy steak dinner with all the fixings.

"Let the children come to me. Do not stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Then our Lord took the children in his arms.....

by teresa

Well...bible club has come to an end. What a wonderful week it has been for the kids! The woman (Angie Miller...aka Super Mom) who put it all together and hosted it in her backyard will recieve blessings a hundred times over for introducing Jesus into these childrens lives. And for those kids in attendance who are already churched...it will renew their excitment about Jesus and give them the confidence to tell their friends who may not go to church. Those kids will carry with them what they have learned and pass it on to their friends and parents and so on and so on! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the week....and also a little video of a song they sang everyday.

I'm a pepper...your a pepper...he's a pepper...she's a pepper...wouldn't you like to be a pepper too?

by teresa

Today the boys have been busy. They went outside and painted "the daddy" some pictures for his birthday party tonight. "The Daddy"...my grandfather...turns 89 this weekend. So mom is having a party for him this evening. I am so looking forward to a piece of her cake...she bakes the yummiest chocolate cakes! They painted pictures of the YMCA (my grandfather has worked out at the Y five days a week since 1980...never missing a day!) and painted a big birthday cake. We have them drying outside until the party.












Nick also gave Shorty a bath. Which is no easy feat! That dogs is terrified of the bath...and as soon as he sees you get the shampoo or start the water he runs for dear life! Nick finally got him locked in the bathroom (after 2 escapes) and scrubbed him for a good half hour. The dog was really smelling funky! Now he smells like that strong medicated flea killing dog shampoo. But it's still better than what he smelled like before.














Lauren is heading off to cheering practice. They work the mess out of them let me tell ya! They will be running the bleachers for like and hour today...then situps, pushups and wolves(an excercise where you have to get on your hands and toes like a pushup...and crawl laps like that around the halls inside the school). Doesn't she look cute in her workout clothes? I like her elmo socks.














I keep my air conditioner on 65 degrees during the months of July and August. I like it like a meat locker in here! I bought a case of the best drink in the universe a couple of days ago and had it sitting out on the counter. I reached in to get one today and it was COLD!! As if it had been in the fridge! Ha Ha Ha! Does my family like it cold in here? I don't know...they really don't have a choice! I can't function when I am hot...and we all know...if momma ain't happy...ain't nobody happy! So they just put on sweats and bundle under blankets to get comfortable. Last night Lauren was snuggled up to me on the couch..."MOM...it's SOOO COLD in here"..she whined. I was like...it feels stuffy in here to me! I wonder if "the change" is coming early for me.
I'll post pictures after we return from the final the 5-day club meeting.

bye bye

the naked truth...

by teresa

Man! I wish I would have known this event was coming to town. We could have booked our vacation...and not had any laundry to do once we got home! Sounds perfect to me! hee hee


Those smiley faces really crack me up!!

If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?

by teresa

I just asked Ben what made him wake up and come in my bed early this morning.

He said..."I kept hearing a rocking chair creaking. Back and forth...back and forth. I couldn't go back to sleep because it was so loud...so I came into your bed."

Oooookay

I said..."Ben...we don't have a rocking chair."

"Well I heard one"...he stated adamently!


YIKES! I'm glad Chris is coming home today!


Then he said that once he got into my bed he had a terrific dream. He was back at our vacation house in NC. We weren't there with him though...just Raven, Zach and Cody(from the disney channel shows)...Aladdin and the Lion King characters were there with him. They took him snow boarding (at the beach) and then to a racetrack to drive a real race car. He said just as he was climbing into the racecar to drive it...he woke up!
Bummer!

Maybe I will take him to Motorworld next week. It can be his dream come true...even if it's just Nick and I with him...and not Mufasa and Simba!

who did that? it wasn't me!

by teresa

Did you ever shoot the bunny so loud....it scared the dog?

No?

Me neither...I was uhhh...just asking...no reason!

Week in the Swamp

By Chris

Tomorrow's my last day in DC after being here since Monday. DC is basically built on a pumped out swamp. Well, you can take the swamp out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the swamp. The work of today involved miles of walking and METRO riding for many hours. And it was MUGGGYYYY. Yuck. To top it off, a thunderstorm got me wet on top of the sweat at the end of the day. But, I still love to get around this city. You can work and sight-see real easily when your business of the day takes you to the Capitol and the Naitonal Mall. Having just read a fascinating book about Abraham Lincoln's assassination, I walked by the Ford Theatre and the house across the street where he died (and crossed the street where his blood dripped as they carried him across the street so the President wouldn't die on a theatre floor . . . it wasn't paved then, but still . . .). While I had been in the various office buildings around the Capitol where members of congress have offices, I had not been in the actual capitol for a while. Some special arrangements today meant I got a quick lunch-time tour in the Capitol. I could stand for hours in the Rotunda and gaze at the intricate paintings and sculpting on the walls and ceilings. I saw a sculpture I had never noticed before that had the heads of four women who blazed trails in the women's suffrage movement, with one un-sculped hunk. A helpful congressional intern from Ga. explained that slot was being held for the first woman president. In another nifty find for someone reading about Lincoln lately, I was able to find the exact spot in the Capitol where Abe sat when he served in Congress (there are gold tiles on the floor in the Capitol at the exact spaces where any Presidents, who served in congress, sat). In between . . . I promise we accomplished some work! Because we had Washington newbie in our group, we walked her by the Supreme Court and White House too. Since we live pretty close to DC, Teresa has seen it all and cringes at the thought of going to Washington with the kids to check all this stuff out very often. She thinks it's boring. I'll have to drag them up here soon though.

I'll be home tomorrow afternoon (though they're calling for storms . . . so we'll see what happens!). It's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder . . . I miss everyone at home. See ya soon.

so I'm a mean mommy.....I can live with that!

by teresa

Today has been pretty hohum. Not much to report on. We ended up not going to the beach this morning. Frankly...I just couldn't pull myself out of the bed. I just was not tired last night...I ended up staying up till about 4am! I never...ever do that! I read...watched a movie (the Matrix...I had never seen it)...read some more. I just couldn't get tired. When Lauren left for work around 7:45am...I felt like I hadn't even slept yet. So I rolled over and went back to sleep. Ben came into my bed around 8:30am and we layed there watching Mr. Roger's neighborhood for awhile before getting up.
Nick went with us to the 5-day club today. Looking at him around all those elementary aged children made him look so grown. It was hot...and he was bored...and he told me he will be staying home tomorrow. Whatever! There were lots of kids in attendance...and they all seemed to have a great time. All us moms sat around chatting about different VBS's going on around town that we can take our kids to the rest of the summer. I need to find out when our churches VBS is. Ben always enjoys that so much. Last year they had a rock climbing wall set up in the church parking lot (the theme was something about climbing to new heights with Jesus).
Once we got home Ben wanted to go over mom's and get in the pool with Kristian and Kai....but I had to be the "mean mommy" and make him come home with me. He was pouting hard! I told him it was reading time...and we went up into my room and climbed on the bed to read. We had already picked out about 6 books earlier in the day for this reason(and he was excited about it)...but knowing Kai and Kristian were next door was too big of a distraction. He kept looking out my bedroom window reporting on what they were doing. At one point he said to me...I bet no other kids have to be tortured with reading time everyday! Isn't he a sassy pants? Of course I didn't give in. I mean I knew Kristian and Kai would be there later for him to play with (they are at mom's between 7-9 hours a day....seriously!). Anyway..he finally climbed up and layed across my lap and we enjoyed all the books he had picked out from the library on our last visit. He was laughing...and we took turns reading to each other...it was nice! Nick didn't join us...he was hold up in his room still reading HPHBP. It's a long book...but I think he will be done tomorrow. He keeps running in and telling exciting parts he has come to in the book. He definitely shares my love of all things Potter!
I am a bad girl...I have sent the kids to church tonight with Lauren so I could have a few minutes to catch up on you guys blogs...and do some tidying around the homestead.
So you think you can dance comes on in a few minutes...so I will get in my jammies and enjoy.

*peace* *love* and *soooooouuul*

You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.

by teresa

Our daughter Lauren is a nut! When I was importing pictures from my camera of the bible club today....I found these on there too. She's definitly not camera shy! I personally like the one where she's wearing the captain hook hat. Very chic!

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken...

by teresa
It was so hot over here in Va. today. I took the kids to the 5-day club again. They had a great time...and I sweated off 5 pounds watching them! Seriously...it was a huge success again. Lots of kids...one little girl that gave her heart to Jesus! So precious! Ben came home and made a list of friends he wants to call and ask to go tomorrow. Here's a few pictures from the day.












*Kristian playing on the trampoline*














*Ben and some kids in line for the slippin slide*














*Kristian enjoying the refreshments*














*Ben, Kai and others praying with the teen leaders*


Tomorrow I plan to get the kids up early and take them to the beach for a few hours as a surprise. It's supposed to be a hot day...but if we get there early enough we will be sparred from the scorching midday rays.

Hope your day is filled with kisses and hugs from your little ones....a hundred "I Love You Mommys"...and empty hampers!

fireflies and freezie pops...

by teresa
The kids and I are about to head out to the 5-day club. I haven't really done too much so far this morning. Just the usual (unload dishwasher, fold clothes in dryer and put away, make beds, make breakfast). I did break out all the old videotapes. Most were not labeled...so the boys and I have been scanning through them this morning...tagging each tape and case. Kids grow and change so quickly...that you don't even notice it. In the videos from just this past fall and Christmas the kids look like babies to me! How does this happen? I want it to STOP! NOW! Freeze time...to when they still spend hours in the backyard catching fireflies...and a freezie pop can erase any hurt or attitude...when Junie B. Jones is the hottest book in their library...and it's cool to play the cello...or dance around in your boxer shorts singing along to all the parts in the movie Aladdin. I love my kids...they get on my nerves sometimes...but I love them and want them to stay with me ALWAYS! College...marriage...move away...I DON'T THINK SO! That makes me sad just thinking about it! Well...I guess they can go to college (but live at home while doing it)...they can get a great job (in town!!!)...buy a house (next door)....marry (someone from our church would be preferable)...and bless me with many grandchildren (they all come over for dinner EVERY weekend). Sounds nice...kinda like one of those Walgreens commercials...in Perfect...that's how it would be. But we don't live in Perfect do we?
I will stop moping about what is to be...and just enjoy what is...
So I'll talk to you guys later...I'm off to enjoy the afternoon with my kids.

In raising my children, I have lost my mind but found my soul.

by teresa

Today was a great day. The weather was lovely (85degrees and breezy) and the kids got a long good. Nick cut mom's grass (for $20) and I took Ben, Kai and Kristian to a bible club that my friend from MIT was putting on at her house. It's called the 5-day club...and she brought in teens from her church to teach the lessons and had water games and snacks. Kinda like a VBS...she even put out flyers throughout all her neighborhood and the surrounding ones. It was very impressive. It was from 1:30-3:30...and the kids had a blast. There had to be at least 30 kids there. Lots of unchurched kids...which is outstanding! Ben was very excited to see some friends from his 1st grade class in attendance. Tomorrow I will make sure to bring my camera! Oh yeah...and she said the parents don't have to stay...all us mom's looked at each other when she said that like we had just won the lottery. One minute later the minivans were squealing out of her court! I was able to go to the library, Target, and the grocery store all by myself! I felt alittle guilty so I bought some snacks for tomorrow's bible club. Once we got home the kids literally went from my car to mom's pool. When we pulled up Nick, mom and Katy were all in the pool already...so the kids hopped right in. Dad was grilling out burgers and hotdogs...so I didn't even have to fix dinner. I know...I told you it was a great day! The only bummer was that Chris left this morning for DC and won't be back till the end of the week. The kids and I will stay busy with karate and the 5-day club for the rest of the week. Right now the boys are in bed(Nick is listening to HPHBP on cd...Ben was reading in bed, but fell asleep)...and Lauren is cleaning her room. Don't faint...she's only cleaning it to butter me up. She wants to go to the beach with some friends tomorrow...and she knows I will say yes if her room is perfect (did I ever mention I'm kinda anal about having things just so in my house?). I'm off to bed...I'm going to lay right in the middle of the bed (since Chris is gone) and read until I fall asleep. I hope you all have pleasant dreams!

nightie night...

the kitchen closes when momma goes to bed!

by teresa

3 things that are irking me this morning...

1. Someone left a peanut buttery knive in the sink(for like the 4th time this week) . Yuck! Rinse it and stick it in the dishwasher...is that too much to ask?

2. All my paper towels are gone! I hate it when I run out of paper towels! I just put a new roll on yesterday...where are they? Someone must have had a spill...and instead of using a rag...they ripped off an entire roll of paper towels to clean it up! Grrr!

3. Someone cooked in the microwave and didn't cover the bowl. Yuck! Apparently it was easy-mac. I know this because it is embedded into the inside of my microwave...there were also tell-tale noodles on the counter...in the sink...and in the hallway outside the office. Are you kidding me?

*note* when I went to bed last night...the sink was empty, counters were clean, and my family was fed! So....I guess we have a peanut butter sandwich, easy-mac eating ghost haunting our house at night!

I need to take this sign down....



and put this sign up.....

avast ye young scallywag...and fetch me another box of Dots...saavy?

by teresa
We just got back from seeing Pirates of the Caribbean. I think it was good...but not as good as the first. Johnny Depp was very good...but he didn't have as many witty lines as in the first one. And also...a little too feminine. I still enjoyed watching him...I mean the movie. It also ended in a cliffhanger. That always bums me out. I don't like to have to wait for things...I'm into instant gratification! Oh well...it was still worth the $6.25 for admittance. And the box of Dots I scarfed down before the previews were even over. Man I love me some Dots!

stupid people make me mad...

by teresa

Yesterday I did alot of running around. I took Nick with me so I could get his hair cut. We also went to Target and Harris Teeter. While in Target there was this little girl (3yrs?) running from aisle to aisle calling for her mommy. I shadowed her until she came across the aisle her mommy was on. The two of us ended up scaling half the store. We finally found her and the mother wasn't even looking for her. She looked annoyed that the girl was screaming her name and crying...and snatched her and fussed at her to "be quiet...and stand here!" Then she went about her business of looking at the merchandise again. Grrrrrr!
I wish I would have said something to her....but I just winked at the little girl (she smiled) and I walked away (muttering under my breath). This woman (and many others) need to be schooled on the fact that there are scary people out there looking to snatch a child from heedless parents.

Then at the Best Cuts there was a mom there with her teenage son. From the discussion she was havng with him I guess he had long hair before he came in...and mom was making him get it cut. This mom sat in the chairs berating her son (infront of the entire store) the entire time they were in there. Good grief! Things like..."stop moping...and get that look off your face"! "If you don't sit up in that chair right now your gonna be sorry"! "Maybe now you will be able to get a date"! "You probably would have made Allstars if you would have cut your hair sooner"! The kid never said a word to her...but she felt the need to yell these things across the salon. People like this irk me! It's like she was showing off to all of us how great of a disciplinarian she thinks she is. She kept looking at us like...see I got him under my thumb! I looked at her and said (IN MY HEAD)....Oooh I'm so impressed with your strong-arm parenting skills. Teach me O wise one! I would love to learn how to degrade my children in public places.

Do you come across parents like these often? What do you do...or say to them? Give me some pointers so I will be prepared next time.