shooting the bird......a picture that is!

by teresa
After all my hard work gardening last week, don't forget this too... a bird family is enjoying my hanging basket of geraniums. The problem with this is...they are hanging on either side of our front door. So the momma and daddy birds freak out every time we go in or out or even look out the front door. They sit on the tree infront of the house and squawk relentlessly! Good grief! Why didn't they just build their nest in the tree they are squawking from? Anyway...I snapped a picture (crept up to the front door quietly so as not to disturb the momma).



I think she is giving me the stink eye! How rude!

O Captain...My Captain

by teresa
Nick just came in the door from the bus. He said...guess who your looking at? I asked...who? He said...the new SRI Safety Patrol CAPTAIN! Yeah for Nicky! He proceded to explain his new duties which include passing out the sashes and badges to the other safety patrols...assigning them to their stations...making sure they stay in their stations and don't chat with friends...walking the car riders out to the curb after school....and making sure if someone is absent, he replaces them with a sub. Alot of responsibility...but not too much for him. He said...I had to shoo some kid off from chatting with one of my patrols....I also had to tell some kids to walk on the right side of the hallway and stop talking! Yikes! I hope the power isn't going to his head!

Safety Patrol

by teresa
Nick has now gone one step further down the road to dorkdom. He has been elected to his schools safety patrol unit. Like his cello lessons and cooking interest weren't enough!

You guys KNOW I am just kidding right? I love all these things about my sweet boy!

Chris and I are very proud of him being on the safety patrol. You have to be a top student and very well behaved to be elected. And you have to be recommended by your teacher and the staff. His duties are to get to school early...put on his gear (you know I am going to sneak up to school and snap a picture of that)...and walk the halls. Inforcing...no loitering...no running...tardiness...and checking for hall passes. He was beside himself with glee when he left this morning for his first day on the job. He came home yesterday and told me he was requesting to be captain of the safety patrol (Lord have mercy). He needed to write a letter to be turned in today to the sponsor. I went on his works and pulled it down here so you could read it. I thought it was very nicely written.

Nick Green April 18, 2006

I would be a Great Captain because…
I love to help and you can ask my teacher Ms. Lyle that. I help out at church by passing out the roll books. So I’m already use to handing out something in a large place. I am also responsible for maintaining the lawn of three neighbors. So you know I am a very responsible kid. I will be there early every day. I get my morning work done quickly. I have a sharp eye for trouble so I can keep things in line. I am very well behaved so you don’t have to worry about me getting I trouble. All in all I would be a great captain because I am responsible and well behaved.

awwwwwww!

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!!

by teresa
This week Ben's school is having their spring (50%) off bookfair. YEAH!!! You guys all know this really gets me EXCITED!! I am obsessed with books....especially children's books! Wouldn't it be the COOLEST thing ever to have a little bookstore (like in You've got mail with Meg Ryan...The Shop Around The Corner)? Maybe someday I will make that happen for me (when the kids are a little older) Nick's bookfair was last month, and I got the best deals. I am actually working at Ben's bookfair all this week...so I will set aside all the good things for myself. And by the way...when you work it...you get $20 for free! Now that's what I'm talkin about!!

nothing like waiting till the last minute!

by teresa
Nick informed me...on the way to school this morning...that he has an orchestra concert TONIGHT!! Good grief child...could you have given me a little more warning than that? Lauren is the EXACT same way. She'll be going up to bed...then come down and say...oh yeah...I need to bring in a cake for a party tomorrow. This drives me crazy! We have soccer practice tonight too (of course at the same time as the concert). I guess Chris will have to solo at practice while I go to the concert. I was really looking forward to a great practice too! Tomorrow is our next game...so I hope Chris gets them in line. I'll take pictures of the concert and post them tonight.

And their off....

by teresa
The contest has now officially begun. We all weighed in together last night. For some reason my scale is 5 pounds heavier than mom's scale. So Katy and mom were NOT happy weighing in over here! I wrote it all down and they made me hide the list from Chris. None of us want him to know our weights. We can know his...but not the other way around. It's just a woman thing I guess. Tell me...does your husband know your exact weight? Let me know.

Atlanta Check In

By Chris

In ATL again. Surprise, surprise. Just a day trip this time. Out at 4
a.m. and back home by about 11 p.m. People say that's crazy, but it really
doesn't bother me anymore. MARTA got me again. Two trips in a row where
the thing broke. Today was rough, because the crowds were huge after the
back-up, and they were cramming in at every stop until we literally coud
not fit another single soul on the train. I caught a ride back, and just
learned I'll be able to upgrade to 1st class!!! Seat 1A! (I would never
pay extra for first class, but it sure is nice when you get it) That makes
up for the crammed train ride.

food...as far as the eye can see

by teresa
I did the weirdest thing today. Around 1:00pm I started thinking about what I was going to cook for dinner tonight. We had lots of chicken...porchops...burgers...steak. I couldn't decide. So I cooked it all! I made garlic and butter chicken breasts...dijon porkchops...cheese burgers...chopped steak...and chicken chilli. I made it...and put it in tupperware. Now that it is dinner time I am not even hungry. Chris' flight doesn't come in till 10:00pm, so he is probably eating in Atlanta before his flight. Ben is laying down (not feeling good). So I guess I'll find out what Lauren and Nick would like to eat. You hear stories about women who do this. Depressed...psycho women...women on the edge. Ready to leave their lives behind. So they prepare enough food for their family so that after their gone they will be well fed. Don't worry...I was just bored! :)

Ive been tagged!

by teresa
Paige's deep thoughts has tagged me to do a meme (I have no idea what this stands for...somebody help a girl out and let me know) so here is my attempt. Please be nice!
I am to list 6 things that you probably don't know about me....which probably will be hard to come up with since I blabber on about every single thing in my life to you guys daily!

1. I had posters of Billy Idol (I thought he was da bomb...or actually, back then he was ..like..totally awesome)...Michael Jackson (you have to admit..before he went insane he was soooo talented)...and Loverboy (you know...Almost paradise , Heaven in your eyes and Working for the weekend...great songs) on my bedroom walls as a teenager.

2. The license plate of my first car read...KRZY4C Which stood for...crazy for chris...awwwww!

3. My favorite food in the whole wide world is......a footlong hotdog with ketchup, mustard, and CHIILLI! Yummy!
From Dannys dogs in Norfolk , Virginia. It's a drive-in that's has been open since my parents were teenagers!

4. I played varsity soccer in high school (don't be jealous) I also played softball for 7 years.

5. I must have a fan blowing on me to sleep. Even in the winter...poor Chris! And not just a celing fan...a BIG momma of a fan! Chris says it sounds like a helicopter hovering over our bed. I blame it on mom...she put fans in our rooms as kids.

6. My good friends (besides my family) are people I have never even met! People from all over the United States. I talk to them daily...laugh at their kids...cry with their heartaches....and think of them often. My blogging buddies!
What did I ever do with my free time before blogging? :)

Now I must (I'm sorry...I must) tag a few others to continue the fun.
1. Fireflies & Frogs (the first blog I read in the morning)
2.Fold my laundry please
3.The big Yellow house
4.Cozy reader

our Easter Brunch.....don't be jealous

by teresa
The five of us and Jackie and George decided to forgo the list making...shopping...house cleaning...food preparing...and cleanup and instead make reservations at a local hotel that was serving and Easter brunch buffet. That was seriously the best idea I have ever had. Lots of great food...and you had the energy to sit with everyone and eat and talk. At home your always up waiting on someone or getting a head start on cleaning. And the table at home isn't big enough for everyone to sit at comfortably. So this was SO the way to go. Here's what we ate...

Made to Order Waffles
Country Style Eggs Benedict
Farm Fresh Scrambled Eggs
Virginia Sausage Links
Artisan Bread Display (that just means a big pile of bread)
Assortment of Garden Fresh Salads
Seasonal Fruits and Cheeses
Virginia Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Salsa
Chicken Florentine with Boursin Cream
Roasted Pork Loin with Spiced Peaches and Pecan Butter (soooooo yummy)
Baked Atlantic Salmon with Lobster Sauce and Spring Asparagus
Roasted Garlic and Chive Mashed Fingerling Potatoes
Wild Rice and Vegetable Pilaf
Spring Vegetable Medley
Carving Station with Top Round of Beef and Roasted Leg of Lamb
French Toast Sticks
Chicken Tenders
Macaroni & Cheese
French Fries
Plus…Peter Cottontail’s Favorite Desserts

And just let me say...we tried it ALL! Hold your applause!!

Let's get ready to rumble....

by teresa
Me, Chris, mom, Lauren, Katy, and Nick have started a weight loss competition. It's $20 to get in it. Whoever wins after 2 months (that's when we leave for our beach vacation) gets all the money. We will weigh in with each other weekly. With someone checking in on us...we are sure to stick to our diets. Wish us all luck.

whiz-pop

by teresa
Ben has a new favorite word. I don't know if he heard it on tv...or if it was in a book he read...or if e made it up (when asked he says he can't remember). But he uses it quite often these days. It's whiz-pop! What does it mean, you ask? Well, let me use it in a sentence for you.

Ben? What is that smell?

Sorry mommy(giggle giggle)...I just whiz-popped!

That's right...it's another word for....pooting! (I hate the f-word)

It cracks me up everytime he says it.

Easter Duds

by teresa
My beautiful family in our new Easter clothes. We go to church every week (2x) and we have plenty of church clothes. But even still...you have GOT to have a new outfit for Easter. Don't you agree? At least for the kids.....and me :) Chris doesn't understand this concept. Whatever! I mean...as a kid...you always had new Easter shoes and a dress...sometimes a hat and little white gloves.

The Kids Easter Trough

by teresa
A little bit of candy(gummy bears..robins eggs...jelly beans...etc.), goldfish, bublegum, peanutbutter dipped pretzels, cashue mix, sea monkeys...that's right sea monkeys, bouncy balls, new card games, couple of movies, and of course some PEEPS!

Happy Resurrection Day!!

Bed Time . . . Sort Of

By Chris

Nick's asleep in his bed. And, Teresa has made Ben and I come upstairs and stay in the bed with her and relax. The TV's been off for a while. Ben's reading a chapter book siliently (he's on fire reading these 70 - 80 page books by himself all of sudden). And I've got the laptop out, bloggin and surfin. When I brought it up, I was met with a warning: "You're not bringing work in my bed are you!" (I was in my office for several hours today, so I guess bringing work to bed was crossing a line). Oh yeah. Shorty the dog is laying on my feet too. Thousands of square feet in this place, and four of the five living creatures here right now are all on the same bed.

Ben just took a deep breath and put his book down. 45 mins. is about enough for him, I guess. Me too. And we start talking. "Shhhh" Teresa says. I'm trying to finish this puzzle, and it's hard!" "Have you ever done a soduku (I think that's what she said) puzzle?" Ben and I made the exact same face . . . one that says "Uh no. Who in their right mind would do those boring puzzles you do in those books and in the newspaper everyday!" "They're hard!" She continued. O.k. we say. She was trying to get us to look at it, you could tell, but she could tell we wanted no part of it. Ben has picked his book back up. It's a happenin' Sat. night at the Greens!

Ben's A Saver

By Chris

I've noticed lately that Ben is really tight with his money. He's had a few dollars for a while now, and whenever we're at a store and he wants something, he asks me if I'll buy it for him "With YOUR money," he says. When I say "no, but you can use your money," he thinks real hard. And typically puts the thing back. Lauren's like this too. And Nick can't keep a dime in his pocket without buying something, unless we make him. So, tonight Ben and I got out his piggy bank and he counted his money. The boy has 71 bucks!! I had no idea he had accumulated that much. What makes some people like that while other people seem to be wired to spend money they don't even have yet?

somewhere over the rainbow...

by teresa

The boys dyed some eggs. Lots of eggs...lots of color combinations. They really had a good time with this. They each had 16 to decorate. They really got creative. Some had our names on them...JESUS...a cross...a picture of Shorty the dog...tricolored ones...etc. I went to take pictures of the eggs after the decorating process was over and my cameras batteries ran out. *pooh* I'll try and get some pictures before they are eaten.












Here are the pictures of their egg art...

the Easter EGGstravaganza

by teresa
Our church had such a great turn out for the annual easter egg hunt. It seemed to be well over a hundred kids. Ben had a good time. He guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar, watched a veggie tales easter movie, hunted for eggs, ate hotdogs and cupcakes, and played lots of games. Nick helped out the ladies in the kitchen (that's his thing). Lauren and the other teens helped out with the games and food. They also met up at church this week and stuffed all the eggs with candy...and got there early today to hid all the eggs. Ben came home with basketful of candy. With all he has I could probably take half of what I bought back to Target!

Stikers vs. Lightening

by teresa

brrrrrr brrrrrr brrrrrrrrrr
brrrrrr brrrrrr brrrrrrrrrr (taps)
brrrr brrrr brrrr brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

WE LOST OUR FIRST GAME *tear*

I don't like to lose! The kids don't like to lose! The parents and grandparents sure don't like to lose!

The score was 4 to 1 (Ben scored our only point).
Everyone seemed tired right out of the gate. It didn't help that 5 people didn't show up. Which means we had exactly enough kids to play (9)...no reserves. Every kid played the entire game. They were dragging by the 3rd quarter.
Well...no need to wallow. Our next game is Wednesday night at 7:00pm. And we intend to practice them HARD on tuesday to get ready for it! NO MERCY!!

Today feels like Saturday

by teresa
It is so nice having Chris home. He got in last night around 9:45. Ben and I were in our bed reading and doing sudoku...Nick was watching tv...and Lauren was still over her friends house. He came up and unpacked and changed into his jammies and put the boys to bed for me. It took them awhile to fall asleep. They kept arguing (overly tired). We layed in the bed and watched tv. It was nice. I missed him. He had to go inot work this morning (bummer), so he was up and out early. Ben came in our bed around 4:00am. We both slept until.....drum roll please....10:00am!! That was soooo nice! Lauren beat us though...she didn't get up till after noon. When Ben opened his eyes he looked around and asked...where is daddy? I said...he's at work. He said...NOOOO! Is it on a plane work or take his car to work? I told him...take his car work. He was very happy about that! He said...he hasn't played basketball with me all spring break! Maybe Chris will come home early enough today to play with him outside (*guilt*). I ran out to the drug store...dry cleaners and to get easter basket stuff today (I know..I know..I just haven't had any time away from the kids lately). Jackie took the boys with her for about and hour to get her car from the shop (they walked there together). So I headed over to Tar-jay (along with every other person in the Hampton Roads area). I got some sweeties and some treaties...they will love it all. I took it all over to moms so the boys wouldn't peek. I'll go over tonight and get it.
I threw some chicken in the crockpot and now I'll try to get some cleaning done (yeah right).

spring break...day four

by teresa
We had a nice day today. Great weather (80's)...sunny...breezy. I planted the rest of my flowers and Nick helped our neighbor paint her porch. Ben just rode his bike around the yard until I was done. Lauren got up early and drove with some friends from church to Nags Head beach. The boys and I went to the mall for the dollar movie...but all 3 kids movies (Nanny McPhee, Curious George, Pink Panther) were sold out. Bummer...Ben cried! We did get in some shopping for Nick. He needed an easter outfit. So we went to Hects (I had a gift card) and bought a cute outfit. They had all their Polo brand on sale...YES!!! Then we headed over to rackroom and got some boat shoes for the boys to wear to church during the spring and summer. I think they are so cute with khakis and no socks (I like the preppy look). The boys were pretty tolerant with all the shopping...so I took them to Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a late lunch. Then we came home and watched Narnia for the umpteenth time. I love me some talking beavers! Ben had soccer practice at 5:30...which I had to run by myself since my hubby was still in Hotlanta. The kids were unruly..and the hour dragged by! Now we are home...showered...jammied up and watching tv(American Inventor). I am waiting for Big Poppa to home to mommy!! I'm reffering to Chris just in case you were wondering. Chris' flight comes in about an hour. There is a thunderstorm going on right now...I hope that doesn't effect his flight. I hope he is off work tomorrow so we can all do something together. He should be off since it is Good Friday and all. Well I'm off to lounge on the couch with Nicky. Peace out.

he's doing it on purpose.....

by teresa
Ben came into my room last night around 11:30. The tv was on, but I was asleep. He was sobbing (that tired whiney kind of cry). Here's our conversation..

Ben: Moooom...Nick is snoring soooo loud...and I can't get back to sleep!


Mom: Okay honey...I'll fix it.
I get up...follow him in his room. Nick is snoring...but it is faint.
I roll Nick over...to appease Ben. Ben lays back down and closes eyes.

Ben: Moooom! Nick is snoring again. He's doing it on purpose to make me angry!

Mom: He is asleep Ben. He can't help it!

Ben: He is tricking you...he is not asleep...just trying to make me mad!

Mom: Go put a pillow on his head

Ben: (weeping) Okay...
He leaves the room. YES!!! Then returns about 2 minutes later. NO!!!
Mooooom! He is doing it again! I want my own room....Pleeease! Give me my own room NOW!

Mom: Fine! The hallway is now your room....sleep there!

Ben: NOOOOOO! I'm so tired! Just make him stop snoring!

Mom: OKAY!!! I get up...flip Nick to his tummy...cut their radio up (they sleep with NPR (national public radio) on everynight)
re-cover Ben (and Shorty)...and crawl in my bed. I lay there for what seems like and hour, my head
haniging off the bed... staring into the hall wating for their door to open. I wake up this morning with
my head still hanging off the bed. I'm not tired...but I can't turn my head to the right or left!

Not Bucky!!

by teresa
I love Bucky...I can't believe he got voted off. He was soooo not one of my favorites in the first weeks....but then he grew on me....and crept slowly into my top 4. Now he's gone. I'm sad! It should have been Ace (eventhough tonights performance was great!) He (Ace) has been sooo not good lately. Cute...but not good. Elliot rocked it out tonight. I liked how they made the bottom three sing one more time. They all did WAY better than last nights performances.

Bye bye Bucky!

mulch butt

by teresa
I just got undressed to get into my jammies. There was mulch in my underwear people! The scary thing is... I took a shower after gardening and before we left for karate. I don't even want to know where that mulch was hiding out for the past 5 hours!

spring break...day three

by teresa
The kids and I were in the yard working from 9:00am to 4:o0pm. I had to bring them in...shower us down...get to karate by 5:00pm. Then church straight from karate. I dropped the boys off at church (bad mommy), and came home to do some laundry (neglected...because of yard work)...dishes...and get on the computer without interuption. I am aching like an old woman. I think I'll go take a motrin...or 5! I'm such a wuss! Only 2 more flower beds to go. Phew! Kristian and Ben rode bikes through the yards (mom's and mine...remember, we live next door to each other) back and forth for hours. Nick helped me in the yard for awhile...then abandoned me to go help our neighbor (Ms. Pat) with her yard (traitor). I was struggling alone...I kept looking over at her yard and there was Nick...trimming...cutting...weeding...etc. All with a smile on his face! Talking them to death I'm sure.
He came home and said...Ms. Pat had her father-in-law over. He kept trying to eat the paint brushes and walk out in the street. He said...mom...he has "Old Timers"...isn't that sad mom? I was helping her keep him out of the street. I thought this was so sweet of Nick. Her loves to help people...especially older folks. I like how he said Old Timers...instead of Alzheimers.
Here's a picture of Nick working hard.

I have blisters on my blisters!

by teresa
My dollar tree gardening gloves.....suck (sorry mom)! My hands are killing me from all this weeding and planting! Iv'e got one word for you....ROOTS! I don't know if you have trees in your yard...and have tried planting around them. But there is like a bazillion roots zig zagging this way and that! It takes me an hour to dig like 4 little holes. Sheesh! But it is all worth it once the yard is filled with colors. I just took a break for a minute because the kids wanted breakfast....imagine that. I was like...go grab a poptart (bad mommy). But Ben was all....we want a BIG breakfast (spoiled kid)! With lots of things on our plate. I was like...then grab two poptarts! They didn't take me up on that offer. So I had to come in...wash the worm guts off my hands...and start some sausage and eggs. Maybe the garden fairies will plant the rest of my flowers while I'm in the house doing the mom thing.

I'm too cool for this blog....

spring break...day two

by teresa
Yesterday we filled our day with karate (double classes)...haircuts (the boys were shaggy)...and hopscotch (sidewalk chalk is cool)...and a movie (rented). Last night Ben spent the night with Katy's kids...and Lauren spent the night at her friend Christina's. So it was just Nick and I all night long. We stayed up late watching movies and slept in till 9:00am. Katy came over about an hour later with the gang. So I loaded them up and headed for the dollar tree. I needed some gardening gloves and I knew DT had them. The kids each got to pick out a toy and a candy. They were thrilled (I love DT). Then we went to pick out some flowers for my front flower beds. I dug out the weeds from one of the beds. There were so many roots...it took hours for just the one bed. So I planted and put the rest of the flowers away until tomorrow. The boys and I showered (we were beyond filthy) and dressed and headed to the mall (cinema cafe) for a movie. Tuesdays are dollar days...and Ben had a gift card from the read-a-thon. So we saw 8 Below. It was pretty good. Ben loved it...of course (dog movie). Nick kept getting up and going to the arcade in the lobby. After the movie we walked around the mall...then rode over to Lowes for some mulch. Then got dinner and came home. Lauren was waiting with her friend Christina (who is spending the night). They both wanted to go over Hunter's house...so off they went. Katy was just leaving mom's by the time we got home. Kristian begged to spend the night at our house (since Kai was the last to have a turn)...so I gave in. Eventhough it was dark Nick and I dug out weeds from another flower bed...to give us a head start in the morning. He watered everything for me and put away all the gardening stuff. Ben and Kristian are curled up on the couch watching some disney channel movie...and Nick is listening to his DCTalk cd. I think I will go wash up (dirt under the nails)...get in my jammies...and call it a night! Day two of spring break under my belt...and all's well!

MARTA Ugghh

By Chris

Made it to Atlanta just fine. Even got an upgrade to first class, and arrived early. Weir, huh?

But, I got my due with the MARTA train ride. After convincing two others that MARTA was the best way to get around and dragging them onto Atlanta's version of public transportation . . . the train proceded to break. We had to get off, wait for another train, change trains again, without much guidance. "I will never do this again," my unwitting partners said. "How would we know what to do, they're not giving any instructions. We'd be lost without you." Oh well. Trying to save the earth through the encouragement of the use of public transportation is tough with this system. I did my part, I guess. It took us nearly as long to get from airport to our in-town destination as it did in the air from Virginia to Atlanta.

Birthday lunch

by teresa
Yesterday after church we all got together to celebrate Lauren's birthday and give her our gifts. We all strayed from our diets to partake in carbs and sugar galore! She got some nice things. Gas gift cards... money... clothes... jammies... and a Vera Bradley purse, wallet, glasses holder. Now, today it's back to the old diet. Here are some pictures of Lauren at her party with her birthday burger (and bun), and her brownie sundae. Yummy!

Appraiser

by teresa
This morning we had an appointment with an appraiser. No..we are not thinking of moving. We are refinancing our house. So the appraiser had to come. I didn't realize he was going to have to come in the house. So when he came to the door at 9:00am...I had cleaned up the backyard...but not the inside. Actually..I had slept in...I woke up at a quarter to 9:00. So when he said...I will start with the outside and then come in...I FREAKED OUT! I can't let someone in my house with out the beds made! And the dishwasher loaded! And I had just DUMPED out all the hampers in the upstairs hallway so I could sort and start washing. Ben was still asleep in my bed...and Lauren in her bed. So I ran around (in the five minutes it took him outside) like a chicken with it's head cut off. I loaded the dishwasher...put the clothes back in the hamper...made the boys beds...woke Ben (who flipped out when I told min a man was about to walk up and come in the room)...he ran and dove under his bed so the guy wouldn't see him in his jammies...I made my bed...I woke Lauren who slammed her door at me and locked it. Then the guys knocks...so I run downstairs..let the dog out back...let the guy in....and run back up to try and dress Ben before the guy makes it upstairs. When he came up...Ben was half dressed...so he shot back under his bed...the guys all waiting to go in Lauren's room but she wouldn't open the door. I'm knocking and saying...Lauren...open the door...he needs to measure. I hear nothing...finally she opens the door and flies past us down the hall into the boys room. Her room looked like a tornado whipped through it (I was dying about this....ya'll know how I am...everything HAS to be in it's place!!!!!). She was all grumping at me because I didn't tell her the guy was coming this morning. I tried to explain to her that I didn't know he was coming in! But she kept on grumping...whatever! I should have not even woke her up....just let the guy walk in her room while she was sleeping....that would have been funny. She's so crazy...I bet she would have screamed and barreled over him like a linebacker! He was a little guy too...she would have snapped him in two like a twig! Then I would have had to pay for another appraiser. Bummer!

Spring break...day one

by teresa
Today is the first day of the kids spring break. Chris left this morning for the week to go to Atlanta for a leadership conference. Coincidence...I think not! I think he is trying to test my sanity by leaving me alone with these children. But I'll show him....I will survive! I am strong. The best strategy is to keep busy. We will park it...zoo it...movie it...beach it (I know it's cold...but we always go play at the beach for a day on spring break...even if we have to were sweats)....museum it...karate it...and so on. I will wear these children down so much, they won't be able to speak...much less fight! Here's hoping.

squirty things

by teresa
Yesterday was my day in the nursery at church. Another mom who was serving with me had the cutest story. She has three daughters. Last weekend she babysat a little baby boy. Her youngest daughter (5) stood beside her as she changed his diaper. She took off his diaper and he wiggled around and pulled at "himself" and peed straight in the air. Her daughter just stared in amazement. The mom realized this was the first time her daughter had seen a boys "stuff" ...ever. She expected questions...but the girl just walked away silent. One week later the girl walked up to the her dad (she had thought about this for an entire week) and asked....Daddy....do all boys have squirty things? As she said...squirty things...she held her hangs together infront of her like she was holding a little hose. The dad giggled and said...ummmm...yes, all boys have those squirty things. The little girl walked away. Then thought about it for a moment or two and returned. Well...daddy....if all boys have squirty things....does that mean you do too? Ummmm...yes honey...I have one too...he answered.
All us moms in the nursery laughed about this. How she mulled over what she had seen for a week before she asked questions. And how she looked as though she was jipped because of not having such a cool squirty thing too.

weather woes

by teresa
Boy...have me had some crazy weather here in Va. the past week. Freezing...HOT...rainy...windy...storming (and that's all in 3 days). I know there has been bad weather across the country. I hope all my "peeps" (and their family and friends) across the U.S. have been spared from the devastation of these storms and tornados!
The kids did get in a few hours of fun yesterday before the storm broke. Katy made them a picnic lunch and they played ball and scootered. We thought we were being spared from the forecasted thunderstorms. Then all of a sudden the sky opened up....let loose...and pounded us late into the night. Today is supposed to be windy (24-32 mph) and rainy. What a great day for pantyhose (church)! The weather channel said it will be 43...and feel 34....great! Here's some pictures from yesterdays fun at moms house.

Strikers vs. AllStars

by teresa
Another awesome soccer game today! Today wash supposed to be a wash out (weather wise). So we were worried we would get rained out. After having such a productive practice on Thursday...it would be a shame to not play. But the rain held out...and the game played on. We won 5 to 0! Yeah us! Ben scored a goal on the first possesion of the game. Everyone was really passing and spreading out perfectly (that's a rare thing for 7yr olds to do). Our superstar Chase scored 3! And a sweet girl named Jessica scored the other. It was very exciting. The parents....grandparents...aunts...uncles...brothers and sisters were all on their feet shouting their support! Iv'e got to say that coaching these soccer teams (every fall and spring) is just about the most fun I have all year! If you've never coached one of your kids teams...I highly recommend it! We knew nothing about soccer (Chris coached girls basketball for many years). But we just signed up...looked online for some age appropriate drills...bought a whistle...and started coaching (5 & 6 yr olds). Then when Ben and Kristian moved up ...we moved up to the 7 & 8 yr olds. I think once they turn 9 we will step aside (that's when they officially start taking score) and let them be coached by someone else.

ring dance prep...step three....the date

by teresa
Well...we finally got through the day! I am back from dropping Lauren and Hunter off at her friend Brandon's house, where the limo was waiting. It was a HUUUGE limo! Excursion limo! Ben would have fainted at the sight of it. All us moms and dads stood aside and snapped picture after picture. Chris says I haven't stopped smiling all day. Can you imagine how I will be for her wedding? Good Lord! Doesn't Hunter look completely adorable? Anyway....here are some of my favorite pictures from the evening. I love the one of Lauren on the bench outside in our neighbors yard (Miss Gerri's). The one with the Easter Bunny peeking in. Too cute! I can't wait till Lauren gets home so I can see her class ring...I can't even remember what it looks like. It's been so long since we ordered it.

ring dance prep...step two...makeup

by teresa
My sister Katy came over and did Lauren's makeup. she even put on fake eyelashes and nails. It looks great!! Here's the pictures.

Ring dance prep...step one...hair

by teresa
Lauren had an appointment at Diana's Hair Salon on Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake. She's such a great lady. We met at church a long while back. Her son Jonah is Nick's good friend from school too. So while Lauren got her hair "did" I got to chat with Diana's mom (her receptionist) and catch up on old times. She did an excellent job on Lauren's hair!!! We couldn't be more pleased!! She even had little bobby pins with jeweled ends to match her dress. Here's a few pictures of our afternoon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 17th LAUREN!!

by teresa
















I love this picture of Lauren. It was taken on her mission trip to Costa Rica last summer (she went to Guatemala the summer before). She is such a neat, kind, beautiful person....and we couldn't be more proud of her!

My son ...the arteest

by teresa
Ben ran in the house and emptied his bookbag at my feet. Today is Thursday...and that's when his teacher sends home all his work from the week before. He is always very anxious to show me his creative sentences and drawings. Today, some of his work stood out enough to be recognized on the blog.
Here is his first work...it is a poem about his brother. The top of the page has a tree (I think) drawn on it. then the bottom of the page contains this story. I will use his spelling.

One time my brothr was haging on the tree.
It brock.
And it died.
Becus of my brothr.

His next work has a flag...stars...and flowers drawn on one side and a poem about why I'm proud to be an American on the other side. Here's how it goes...

I'm proud to be an American because.....
Of Aebraham Lenchen.
If Aebraham Lenchen didn't free all the black pepole
then all the ones in my class would not be here rihgt now
Then thre wlde only be 13 pepole in my class.

His last work is a drawing called "foot person"














I think it looks like a penis with a bowtie.

Y for Yak

by teresa
Today has been a good day. Our Moms in touch meeting went well this morning. It seemed that all our kids needed the same prayers this week....for pride, selfishness, and obeying. We also prayed for all us moms here in Va. who's kids are off next week for spring break. Give us strength! After my meeting I headed over to Ben's school. His teacher had my project out and ready for me. I am now cutting out the YAK. Can you believe we have gotten to the Y already? I remember my first days at school back in September when we started this alphabet animal dealy. I didn't think I'd EVER get to the end of the alphabet! My hands have taken a beating I can tell ya! After my shift at the security desk was up I headed over to church to make a couple of copies...put togeter 2 baskets full of chocolate eggs and took them to Nick and Bens schools. It's a gift from our Moms in Touch group (I have been given the monthly treat for the teachers assignment). Here's a picture.


Tomorrow is both of the boys "spring" (heaven forbid us say Easter) parties at school. Because I will be busy with Lauren (hair appt...etc.), I went ahead and took all the party treats to their classes today. I will miss taking pictures of them partaking in the goodies (bad room mommy...bad room mommy!) But I'm sure they will enjoy the party without me hovering over them saying...look at me honey...smile for the camera.

Lauren's big day

by teresa
Lat night after church Lauren got all dressed in her entire ring dance ensemble (including bra stickers). We have never put everything on together...you know...dress and jewelry and shoes and stickers. It all looked (and worked) great! We are both so relieved and so excited about tomorrow. I don't know if I've mentioned this before...but tomorrow is not only her first formal dance...but also her 17th birthday! So it is really going to be a special day. She is going into school to take a test and then I am going to pick her up at lunch for her hair appointment. Then it's home where Katy is going to do her nails and makeup. Then Hunter will come by...I'll get a few pictures at the house...then I'll drive them to her friends house where the limo (excursion limo) will be waiting for them and their friends. I think it's 5 couples all together. I will take TONS of pictures there. Then it's off to La Galleria restaraunt for dinner and then the ring dance (Founders Inn...2 miles from our house). The dance ends at midnite then they (all the limo friends) are going to one of the girls houses, two moms are getting together there and having a big breakfast waiting for them. They will hang out for awhile then come home. Lauren's friend Stephanie is coming to our house and spending the night. Then Saturday all of the same friends are meeting around 11:00am and driving to Busch Gardens. It should be a fun weekend for her. I wonder when the family will get a little piece of her time, so we can celebrate her birthday with her?

By Chris

Uhhh. Teresa clearly had a better day than me. I bet Ben and Nick would have been completely quiet and interested in that particularly shopping trip!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATY!

by teresa
Today is my sister's (Kristian, Kai, and Kaden's mom) 25th birthday. Join me in wishing her a very happy birthday...and many more!

High and Lifted Up!

by teresa
Well, I started the day off by going to Nick's school and sorting out the fundraiser stuff that came in and hand them out to the teachers. Then I was off on my neverending quest for a bra that Lauren could wear to the ring dance TWO DAYS AWAY! We have tried many...but couldn't find anything that fit right...covered enough or didn't come up too high (backless dress). What a nightmare! Who knew my daughter was like the size of Pamela Anderson?? Good grief! Anyway...I found this place online yesterday and called them. Get this....the boobtique is called..."The Full Cup". You make an appointment and these gals "fit" you into the perfect under garments. I called them this morning and made an appointment. I told them our delima and they assured me that had just what I needed. So I drove out (it's like 5 minutes from Virginia Beach) and checked them out. The place was so nice...and the gals were so sweet...offering me chocolates and water bottles. They showed me these things called "BrazaBra". They are pretty much big bra stickers. They even had them in Lauren's size, so I was thrilled. But the owner was worried I wouldn't be able to put them on Lauren correctly. So she told me to wait a few minutes until another one of her employees came in. She said this girl was about Lauren's size (the two woman in the store were bitty boobed). We needed to try these out on someone who actually had BAZOOMS. So this young girl(Emily) came in....beautiful...blond...total sweetie. Then the owner...Emily...and me went into this dressing room. Where then Emily disrobed (Lord have mercy) so I could pratice putting this stuff on her. I was DYING to say the least! So the owner starts it off...she peals off the backing while instructing Emily to lift her boob. Then she wraps the "Braza bra" from side to side. There are 5 "braza bra" strips per boob. So it's pretty much like paper mache...on your boob. After the first strip the owner has me do it....gulp! I am trying soooo hard not to touch her....or look at her....I feel so uncomfortable (I have never been to third base with a girl before)! I finally finish...so one boob is wrapped (high and lifted up) and the other is just hanging around. It looks like it's going to be perfect for Lauren...so I am happy! But wait....there's more....then Emily starts leaping up and down...up and down....to show me how one boob stays in place and the other .....well....you know. I didn't know whether to giggle or put a dollar in her belt. Good Lord they don't pay this girl enough..I'm sure. They have invited me and Lauren to come back and be "fitted" some time soon. That sounds okay to me...as long as they don't make me hop up and down....I may hurt somebody. :)

Strikers vs. Titans

by teresa
Our third game of the season went great! We won 2 to 1! But the best part was not just that we won...but that Kristian scored a goal!! The first goal of her soccer career. We all FREAKED OUT...to say the least. She looked very proud of herself. She also got the wind knocked out of her running head on with another player. She didn't back down....just slammed into the kid! Then shook it off and kept on playing. Chris said he is going to give her a little moolah for her hard work. It sure is fun to win......I hope I didn't just jinx us by saying that. Our next game is Saturday at 10:am at the Crestwood field. See you guys there.

not a morning person

by teresa

Conversation this morning with Ben (who is NOT a morning person)

Mom: Ben...honey...it's time to get up.

Ben: Grrrrrr

Mom: Honey...it's time to get ready for school. Let me get you dressed.

Ben: NOOOOOOOooooooo! I don't want to get up yet! I won't ride the bus...okay? Now I can sleep in, and you can take me to school.

Mom: Well honey....I already let you sleep in. The bus passed 20 minutes ago. So you can sleep for 5 more minutes. But then you have to let mommy get you ready.

Ben: What? The bus already came? Noooooooo! I want to ride the bus! I want to ride the bus! Why didn't you get me up?

Mom: But Ben...you just said you wanted to sleep in and let me take you???

Ben: But you already let the bus go by! You can't make that decision for me! I make my own decisions! And I WANT to ride the BUUUUUUSSSSS!

Then I just covered his face with a pillow....I mean his blanket....and left the room. A few minutes later I went in and dressed him, made him brush his teeth, combed his hair, put his coat and bookbag on his back and shipped him out the door with sissy (because he said he was NOT riding in my car!)
I will deal with his attitude problem when he gets home today.

Chris made a funny!

by teresa
The other night Ben and Nick came downstairs after their showers. They had the tv on in their room and came running down to tell us something funny they had seen. Picture them....Nick in some blue, lycra long johns and a long sleeved turtle neck (unrolled over his chin). Hair dried without combing it after his shower. Ben in one of Chris' shirts (inside out and backwards), no underwear, same crazy hair.

Nick: Dad....have you ever seen Dumb and Dumber? (they were obviously watching it upstairs)

Chris: Yep! I'm looking at it right now!

Me: Hahahahahahhahahahaha...good one honey!!

Kid Groomers

by teresa
This past Saturday, after Ben's soccer game Chris had to go inot work. I had to go to the grocery store, so I had to take the boys with me. Ever since Ben started kindergarten I have tried to go to the grocery store alone...while they were in school. But every once in a while they have to tag along. Which means fighting Nick for the right to push the cart, spending about $20 more on fruit rollups, cereal, lunchables, etc. and pulling the boys off of those motorized carts over and over again. Sometimes it's just not worth the trouble. But I was out of Tide! So this was a have to mission! One the way to the store I looked over at my little angels. They looked like a couple of hobos that had been living under a bridge somewhere. Covered in dirt from playing outside and cutting the grass, non-matching clothes, shoes with no shoestrings (where in the world are the strings??). As I looked at them I thought....wouldn't it be great if there was such a thing as kid groomers. Just like you take your dog...you could take your children. Take them in to get washed(with a bathing suit) , clipped (nails), trimmed (haircut), shots (for school, rabies...sometimes my kids act like they have rabies:), and maybe some obedience classes before you pick them back up. I would pay BIG BUCKS for this service! If anyone has heard of such a thing give me a shout out!

I can't wait until summer....then when they get dirty I can just send them in mom's pool:)

Two Boys For Sale....

by teresa
I have had the day from ....well...you know! I have two words that will explain it all.......boys and shopping! The two don't go together. Especially if you are shopping for a bra for your daughter. We all went to the mall (today is a teachers work day here in Chesapeake) to find Lauren a bra that she can wear on FRIDAY to the ring dance. We went in every store and had no luck. We will have to go out again...just not with Ben and Nick. They were BEYOND rambunctious. They were perfectly HORRIBLE! Knocking over displays, fighting, throwing things, yelling at each other, yelling at me, laying on the floor, dancing around with bras on their head..etc. They are lucky I let them in the car with us to come home. I did stop to get lunch on the way home. Just for Lauren and myself of course. This really ticked them off! hehehehe I fixed the boys pb&j's later. Nick is now napping in his room(hopefully till bedtime) and Ben is about to do the same in my room. Knucklehead kids. Here are a few pics. from our adventures. Nick pouting on the floor, Ben peeking in the womans dressing room at Victoria's Secret(every man's fantasy), Ben with a bra on his head, and the boys playing with a stuffed dog display.

Lion vs. Jaguars

by teresa
Kai's game was very exciting. They have a "ringer" on their team (he wasn't there last week) who scores constantly. His dad made Katy pull him from the front line so other kids would have a chance to score. I think the final score was 8 to 0. Kai had an "almost" right in the goalie box that was scooped up at the last second. Darn! Chris had coached him a little before the game as to what to do and where to stand to get a goal. Kai said....if I get one will you buy me a video game? And Chris told him YES!! what?? bribery?? That's right...whatever it takes people! Ben gets $5 for every goal he scores. Here's a couple of photos from the game. I love the one of Kai running through everyones arms.

Strikers vs. Icebreakers

by teresa
We won again!! The score was 4 to 3. We scored the fourth goal with only a minute left. Phew! Ben had several "almosts". It was killing me. It would fly about a foot to the side of the goal everytime. One kid named Chase (superstar) scored all four goals himself. Thank you God for Chase! Our next game is Tuesday night at 7:00pm.

soccer...and stuffy noses

by teresa
We have our second soccer game this morning at 10:00am. This weeks game is at Crestwood Intermediate (for all you locals). Kai's game is at 2:00pm at our regular field. It has been raining all morning so it will be a real mud pit! But that makes it all the more fun...right? I'm feeling a little bit better this morning. Still "drippy"...but not achy. So I can live with that. I've been taking Alavert...but it hasn't touched my syptoms. So I may go to the drugstore later and try something different. What works for you guys? My symptoms are runny nose, sore throat(from the drip), itchy eyes. I'd appreciate your suggestions as this allergy mess is all new to me. I have never been affected by it at all. Now, this year, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Have a great Saturday everyone!!