Aiden's 1st Day of "School"

Aiden missed the cutoff to start preschool this year by 3 weeks. I'm totally ok with that. I'm in no hurry for him to grow up and enter the world of school yet. I'd rather him be a bit older and wiser (and I just want my baby home with me) I did hear about this great program at the high school where Todd teaches and it happens to be run by an awesome lady that also works at Learning Adventures with me. She runs the vocational preschool at the high school and they have regular preschool during the day where the high school girls taking the class help to teach it. On Wednesday nights, she teaches a night class and needs kids there from 3-4:30 to do a mini preschool. She usually has kids that just miss the cutout for preschool. So I thought I'd give it a try with Aiden. He wants to go to school SOOO bad like his big brothers and I think he's ready for a little independence too. The nice thing is, I'll have an hour and a half each wednesday to spend with the older two boys doing something fun with them.



Today was the big first day. He has been so excited it's hilarious. He was a little upset that he didn't get to hop on the bus with the boys this morning though. But he was thrilled to pieces when we got a backpack out for him to use and he played with it all day. He wanted to pack a snack in it like he sees Noah do every day. He also wanted to pack toys in it but luckily he didn't throw a fit when I nixed that.



I decided to try some pictures. He's in that stage where he makes the goofy faces for me and his eyes are always shut.

So I got this shot.

This shot
And then by accident, caught this mischievous little smile which is Aiden through and through.
He had no problem with me leaving. In fact, he asked me if I was leaving, as if I couldn't take a hint or something. This is the kid that is like an extra appendage on me most days. This was good though, he's ready for fun and a new experience. He jumped right in and started playing.

He found the stuffed elephant and the Mr Potato Head.
He then headed over to the "campfire" and started cooking with the play food. That's where he was when I left.
That was easy, I had thought maybe drop off would be a little hard. So why was my heart hurting a little bit? My nose started to tickle and my eyes were getting a little wet. Kelly, it's just an hour and a half, you big wimp! So what if you've never left him alone with anyone but family before? Remember, he makes you crazy at least a few times per day, you should rejoice in this hour and a half. This is the kid that hangs on you constantly and always has to play with your hair. He said you could leave, no big deal. That's a good thing. *sigh* I was so over it by the time I got home though. :) So here I sit writing his blog, smiling at my big little guy, and then Drew, Noah and I are headed for the apple orchard for some cider and apples before going to pick him up to celebrate his first day.

UPDATED: Ok, I'm not proud or anything. :) His first day was great, he even had the important job of being the line leader. He told me that with a very serious look on his face. He was so cute when we picked him up and he had told his teacher that he was excited because his brothers were coming to get him. He made this awesome fire truck using shapes and made a jack o'lantern. I think he's destined for greatness! :) He's already ready to go back next Wednesday and I have a happy heart to see him so excited and talking so grown up about his "school", or pre-pre-school as Drew calls it!

Oh, The Things That Make a Mommy Happy

I had almost 15 whole minutes of quiet this morning. Did you hear that??? 15 minutes to myself! The boys left on the bus at 7:45 and Aiden didn't wake up till 8! (Of course he was up from 5:50 till 6:30 but we won't talk about that) It was kind of nice. Kind of! HA! It was heaven I tell ya! Especially since Aiden seems to think he doesn't need to nap anymore. My afternoons aren't quite as peaceful as they used to be. I'll take my peaceful moments where I can get them!!

The Dr. Says.........

Aiden is growing. It's a problem I know. They're supposed to stay little, right??? At least for awhile??? He had his 3 year check up today. He was at 33 pounds and 39 1/2 inches. The Dr. said he was in the 90% for height and 70% for weight. Wow, he really IS growing fast.


Yesterday we realized it was Drew's 1/2 birthday. Only 6 months till he hits the double digits. He said we hadn't measured him on his growth chart for awhile and I realized he was right. So he dashed into his bedroom to be measured. He was off the charts. I mean that literally......he was taller than his growth chart!!! When did THAT happen?? I guess it's time to roll up the Classic Pooh growth chart that has hung in his room since he was born and tuck it away in his keepsake box. *sigh*


In two weeks, Noah will have his 7 year check up. I have a funny feeling the Dr. will tell me HE'S growing too.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

I found a great blog (The Great Adventure)that celebrates the awesomeness of hubbies (and wives) on "My Husband Rocks" Fridays. Everyone that participates can link to it. Well, I know my hubby rocks, I just don't tell him often enough. I know I don't deserve all the wonderful things he does for me.

Why does he rock today??? He knows I've had a long, exhausting, stressful week and he has been so supportive through it all. To really top it off, my dear husband was at Walmart and decided to surprise me with the Sex and the City DVD that came out this week. Wooohoo! How lucky am I?? AND, I think he'll watch it with me! (and enjoy it!)

My First Baby Meme

Sandra at Super Mae tagged me for this meme, I thought it was cute!

A different kind of meme...it's all about you and your first baby...make sure to comment here after you complete.

1. Were you married at the time? Yep
2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? Ecstatic! We had tried for over 2 years to get pregnant
3. How old were you? 25
4.How did you find out you were pregnant? Home pregnancy test....twice! Then a blood test at the Dr.'s....I needed more confirmation!
5. Who did you tell first? My hubby-I woke him up and showed him the stick and we both cried.
6. Did you want to find out the sex? Of course..I'm not patient enough to wait and I don't like surprises...I wanted to plan everything
7. Due date? March 30th
8. Did you deliver early or late? 2 days early
9.Did you have morning sickness? Heartburn and evening nausea/indigestion
10. What did you crave? Beef and cheese
11. Who irritated you the most? don't remember
12. What was your first child's sex? Boy
13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? 33
14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Anemia, Gestational Diabetes
15. Where did you give birth? Blessing Hosptial
16.How many hours were you in labor? 28
17. Who drove you to the hospital? Todd
18. Who watched? My hubby
19. Was it vaginal or c-section?Vaginal
20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? I took one shot of Nubain and all it did was make me horribly dizzy.
21. How much did your child weigh? 6lbs 15oz
22. What did you name him/her? Andrew but we call him Drew
23. How old is your first born today? 9 years 6 months

I'll tag anyone that feels like sharing their story! I'd love to read about it.

Happy 3rd Birthday Aiden

Are you sure you're turning 3 Aiden??





















Really? Three already???








You can't stay my baby just a little bit longer???





My sweet lion cub, don't grow up just yet.






















I know I have posted this picture a number of times but this picture is magical to me. I get emotional every time I look at it. This is the day you completed our family Aiden. You have brought much joy, many laughs, (and even some tears and frustration) to our family and we love you so much. Happy 3rd Birthday Aiden Sunshine. Just try to stay my little guy a bit longer.

Happy 13th Anniversary Todd

September 23, 1995 South Park

Ahhh we were such kids. We were barely 23 and fresh out of college. 13 years later and I think we've accomplished a lot of our goals together and have come so far and done so much. Most people think of 13 as an unlucky number but I feel pretty lucky. I have an amazing husband, 3 incredible kids, and a comfortable, if not sometimes crazy life. I would do it all over again (but I would have to change the dress and the hair-yuck!)

I love you!

What a Weekend!

We had an awesome, but busy weekend. It all started out with Todd doing the Monster Adventure Race again. http://www.monsteradventure.com/


They had a 3 person team this year and they did great. This was their 5th year doing this and had their best time yet, 8 hours, 22 minutes. Long day to you and me, huh?? They had biking, running, kayaking, orienteering, sand bag carry, and various obstacle courses to name a few. I was able to come down for the obstacle course in the morning with the boys and snap a few pictures.

Here they are coming in from part of their run. Todd is giving Aiden a "high five" as Drew watches them.

Here's Todd going across the bottom of the ladder....all 3 of them had to do it.

Here they are taking off on their bikes after they finished the obstacle course.

The afternoon brought us soccer and more soccer. Here are a few pictures from Noah's game. I didn't make it to Drew's because of preparations for my mom's birthday party but his team won and he scored a point. I hope to get pictures at his game this weekend.


My brother and my mom (with Aiden making himself comfortable on Grandma's lap) with their birthday cakes. Mom's bday was friday and Nate turned 23 on Saturday.

Mom opening the doorknocker from us kids for the door of their new house they are building.

Ahh, memories of the old days. Cousins and aunts and uncles playing Red Rover, Lemonade, and Red Light, Green Light. It was so fun watching them all. It brought back all the memories of playing those games when I was little.


Aiden and Ty sat and played this game together for the longest time at the end of the night. Not a single argument was heard, it was so precious.

Sunday we went to Riverfest and met up with Matt, Beth and the kids. We looked at some awesome crafts, ate awesome food, got our picture taken, and the kids made picture frames at the library booth.

Aiden posing with his frame.

We finished off our afternoon playing on the playground. Then we headed home for naps. What an exhausting weekend but we loved every minute of it. Fun, family, perfect weather, and good food!

Flashback Friday

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!!

(Yes, I look like a total goober in this picture but I love it anyway!)

*

Sometimes I mourn the fact that I will never have a little girl to love, dress up with, shop with, and do girly things with. But at least I got to be your little girl and have that relationship with you. I hope you have a wonderful birthday today, a wonderful party tomorrow, and many more happy celebrations to come.

***

I love you!

An Unexpected Surprise.

Imagine my surprise when Aiden and I woke up this morning to find Todd walking into the bedroom in a tshirt and shorts. "What are you doing here?" I cried? I thought maybe he was too sick to go to work or something. Turns out there was a little fire at the middle school so the whole school district had the day off. It worked out nice for us b/c we had a crazy day planned and this helped us a bit. Since there was no bus service and the parochial schools were in session still, Todd got to ride bikes with Noah and Drew to school, which they loved. Todd then rode home, got the van and went back to school to drive Drew's class on a field trip. I was going to do it, but since Todd never gets that opportunity, Drew wanted him to drive. So I got to go to Aiden's music class and not rush around quite so much. We ended up going out to lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Klauser at Krieger's which was a nice surprise too. Aiden then went home with Grandma for naps, Todd came home and took a nap on the couch and I finished my book. A nice relaxing day.

Todd being a teacher has a lot of perks, the biggest one being home more in the summer with the boys and having time off at Christmas. One downfall though is not being able to volunteer to do things in the classroom during the day or go to Parent/Teacher Conferences since his are the same time. (the teachers are usually good about scheduling a special time so he can come too). And it's VERY rare for Todd to be off and not the boys so for him to ride bikes with them to school and drive on a field trip was special to him as I'm sure it was to the boys. He just took off on his bike to pick them up at school so I'm going to wait on the porch for my boys.

It Got My Boys!!

A Shark got Drew and Noah. Yep, the Shark VX3. They called me in to watch an informercial on the Shark VX3 vacuum and they were sucked in.


"Mom, look, the handle bends at an angle so you can get under couches and bed!"



"Mom, it even picks up Legos!"



"Look, if we order now, we get TWO for the price of one!"



"We don't even have to plug it in!"



"Can we get one mom?? You can try it free for 60 days!"



I asked them if I bought one, would they do all of my vacuuming for me. Noah was so excited he said he'd do all the vacuuming forever, it would be fun. Hmmmm, I might have to think about that. It's only 4 easy payments of $24.95. I wonder how excited they would still be if they each got one for Christmas??? ;)

Bugs in the House

Luckily the bugs in my house aren't alive.....at least not anymore!! Drew had to make a bug collection for school last friday. The boys had been looking for bugs to put in their bug boxes all summer so it didn't take much coaxing to get them out searching again. Unfortunately we had to put some of those bugs to an untimely death. Thank goodness for Todd. I helped the best I could but couldn't touch those bugs. Blech. They could make a display however they wanted....an egg carton, shoe box, anything. Drew, being the creative kid he is, looked around Hobby Lobby with me one day and got a great idea to use a shadow box. I had that awesome 40% coupon so I spent about $2.50 on it and he bought a sheet of adhesive foam to put on the bottom. We mounted the bugs on there using pins from my sewing box. Here are the bugs before we put them in the shadow box.









Here they are in the shadow box. Sorry for the blurry picture but you can get an idea of what the box looks like.


I had recess duty at school Friday so I got to look at all of the bug collections. There were some really interesting bugs, some of them big enough to give me nightmares. Remember the Mutant Moth? I think I saw his brother.

Cousins, Cousins, Cousins

I am absolutely blessed to have the two cutest nephews and cutest niece in the world. The happiness they bring me is indescribable. I guess it's kind of like having kids of your own but you don't have to do all the work!

Thursday Aiden and Ty started their Music Matters class together. Aiden was excited to start these classes back up and we were really excited to get to go to these with Beth and Ty. It's so special that these two cousins have birthdays only 4 days apart and will get to grow up sharing so much together. Class was fun and afterwards we went downstairs to the indoor playground for a bit.

Friday, Aiden and I met Beth, Blake,Ty and Ellie at the library for the Jack and the Beanstalk puppet show. The kids were too cute and enjoyed the show. I loved having Ty come cuddle up next to me and put his arm on my leg. He kept saying "Kelly, that giant is going to be scary". I told him it wouldn't be too scary and he said "Yes, it will, you'll see". Afterwards, Beth, bless her heart, took Aiden home with her so I could go do recess duty at Drew and Noah's school. Aiden had a blast and talked about it all afternoon.

Today, if the rain decides to stop, all the family will meet at Septemberfest at Blessed Sacrament Church. We have been looking forward to it. "Rain, rain, go away....."

Sunday we are planning on meeting Matt,Beth, Blake, Ty and Ellie at the YMCA for family swim time. Too much family togetherness? NEVER. I'd be thrilled to see them everyday. How lucky we are to have our family living in the same town and get to spend so much time together. Watching our kiddos grow up together is an added bonus.

Hand Me Down Excitement!

Over the past couple weeks, I've been slowly going through all the boys clothes and pulling out what they've outgrown, pulling out clothes for fall and winter, and trying to organize their drawers and closets.



Today, I finished this monstrous task when I pulled out the Rubbermaid totes with Drew's hand me downs for Noah and Drew and Noah's hand me downs for Aiden. Aiden was "helping" me and had a blast. Who knew old clothes were so exciting?? It started with the winter coat, he had to try it on. Then came the Cars slipper socks, the shoes that lit up, and the Pokemon shirt. I pulled out Shrek PJ's and two adorable Halloween shirts and all he kept saying was "For me, these really for me??" He couldn't have had more fun if I'd taken him to the store and shopped for new things. My sister in law and I had this conversation earlier. Sometimes we feel guilty that the oldest gets all new things and the next in line gets so many hand me downs. But in reality, all 3 of them get plenty of new things and I only pass down things that are still in good shape and halfway in style. The awesomeness of it is that Noah and Aiden love getting their bigger brothers things and never complain. That may change in the future but for now, I hope I'm teaching them to appreciate both the old and the new that come to them. They both have a specialness to them. I have to admit, I have fun pulling out things and reminiscing over one of the other boys wearing them. The part that's hard for me is that it seems like just yesterday that the other boys wore these things. Even wierder, is that Drew and Noah are only 2 1/2 years apart and the matching shirts that they wore then, Noah and Aiden can wear and they are 4 years apart. I think Aiden is growing quicker than Noah did at this age.

Got The Funk??

I've been in a horrible funk lately. I had a string of a few good days and thought I had kicked it but no such luck. I was at WalMart the other day and came across these. You know you've got it bad when the sight of Chocolate Caramel Candy Corn can make you momentarily happy. I rushed home and mixed them with peanuts for my afternoon snack. Verdict?? They just don't compare to the regular cand corn/peanut mixture. Too bad, I really had my hopes up.

I've been watching a lot of the videos associated with 9/11 and reliving the horror. I'll never forget that day, I remember it so vividly. It was like some horrible dream come to life. But as horrific as it was to me, it's nothing compared to those that were there and actually lived it or had family and friends that lived it. I can only hope and pray that nothing like that ever happens again.

Pirate Aiden .....ARRGH

Back on one of the days when we had nice sunny weather (it's been awhile, I'm starting to forget!), Aiden and I went to his new favorite place.....the "pirate park". It's a park over on Quinsippi Island---you have to drive over to it on an old train bridge. The park is kind of cute, it's set up like a pirate ship which leads to many great adventures for my make-believe loving boys. Aiden had a blast there that day.

Here he is steering the ship.

We're on the lookout for Pirate Lions....I bet you didn't know they exist, did you?? Well they are very real and they were coming after our ship!
Uh oh, Aiden had to walk the plank. I'll miss ya buddy!
Down the chute he goes!!
I bet you didn't know they had jet skis in pirate days did you?? It makes for a much speedier getaway.
I'm ready for another nice day to head to the park. This cold and rain is getting old!! I'm wanting some beautiful fall weather like that brief little spell on Saturday afternoon!

Thought for the day: We went to mail a package at the Post Office this morning......the UPS truck was there making a delivery. Am I missing something??

Random Happenings From The Week

Life is never dull here. Just to prove that, I'll share a few things that have happened at our house this past week.

Wednesday afternoon, the bus pulls up to the house. Noah hops off the bus....but where is Drew?? Noah looks distraught and says he doesn't know, Drew never got on the bus. Ok, I'm sure there's a simple explanation. He wasn't kidnapped by aliens, or being held hostage in the cafeteria. I called the school.....turns out the entire 4th grade class missed the bus bell. I have to wake Aiden up from his nap, which wasn't fun, and try to convince him we REALLY need to get in the van and go pick up Drew now. Just as I'm walking us to the van, the bus pulls back up. She had gone back to school and got the kids. Off Drew walks with a big grin on his face.

Last night, Noah had his friend Logan spend the night. Noah let Logan have his bed and we made a bed up on the floor for Noah. We kept hearing them talking and giggling in there for what seemed like forever. They finally fell asleep. Right before I went to bed, I went in to check on the boys. This is what I found......

Of course I had to take a picture. Two adorable 6 year old buddies cuddled up in the same bed sleeping. Cute now, won't be cute to them at age 16!

This afternoon, I'm in the kitchen cleaning up when I hear Aiden yell "Mom, I let Grayson outside for you!". I run in the living room and ask him to repeat that. "Mom, I let Grayson out for you!" Keep in mind Grayson is a house cat, never been outside, has ZERO freaking claws!! What in the world made Aiden think he needed to let him outside?? Luckily he didn't get far, he had just crawled inside one of our shrubs. That was oh so fun getting my arms all scratched up trying to get a scared kitty out of the bushes.

There are more stories where those came from too!

********************

Today has been a good day though, beautiful weather broke through the clouds and fog and by the time we hit Noah's soccer game, it was perfect soccer weather. This was his first game of the season and his team did really well. We're home for Aiden's nap, then we head back to the soccer fields for Drew's game at 4:00. Then Todd heads to Kirksville for tomorrows NEMO Triathlon at the state park there. Drew is heading to a friend's house to play after soccer, so it's just me and the little two tonight. (why do my kids have a better social life than me?)

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend.

LIFE Just Isn't The Same

I loved to play the board game LIFE as a kid. I felt like a real grown up having a job, making money, getting married (that little blue peg that my pink peg married was so hot! *snort*) I felt like it gave me a taste of the real world and I loved to play any game involving money! (can we say Monopoly?) Of course I had to buy that game for my boys to play so they could have the fun I had and maybe learn a thing or two from it.

Yesterday Drew, Noah and I decided to play. Right off I could see it was nothing like real life. They both chose to jump into a career while I chose to go to college first. They of course, not only had bigger salaries than I, I also had over 100,000 worth of college loans to pay off. They were just raking in the dough while I....well let's just say I wasn't. Noah landed on the Get Married square so I told him to pick a peg. I look over and he has two blue pegs in his car. "Are you marrying a man?" I asked. Noah kind of giggles and says "Yeah, can I do that?" "Well I guess you can in some states." I reply.

I ended up coming in 3rd place with the least amount of money....and I didn't even have children to pay for like they did! Where were the big grocery bills, the new shoes, DIAPERS, dentist appointments, sports fees? I don't think they hardly paid anything out but were making $90,000 every time they landed on a Payday square. I don't think I like that game much anymore. Or am I just a spoilsport? :)

Maybe I should invent the Mom version of the Life board game.............

Stay up all night with a sick child....Lose a Turn.
Toilet clogged with a brand new roll of toilet paper....Call a Plummer $300
Kids Cuts Own Hair.......Pay Hairdresser Big Bucks to Fix
Gorge on Kid's Halloween Candy.....Move Back 2 Spaces and Gain 5 Pounds
Spend $1000 at the Dr. to find out it's a "Virus"
Kid covered in vomit.....Spin again and get off of that space!
Kids driving you crazy.....Throw back a shot.....Oh wait, this isn't a drinking game.

Feel free to add your own.............

Grandpa's Cabin

We took the boys out to my dad's cabin and lake on Saturday since the weather was so beautiful. My dad, and Matt & Beth and the kids met us there for a a lot of fun. Unfortunately my mom had to work all weekend so she had to miss out on the fun. I know dad originally bought it as hunting ground but we've made it into a fun getaway for the family too. We always have fun out there and build many memories that I know the boys will carry with them. I hope someday they will all bring their families out there.

Noah is trying out Blake's little bow and arrow with some tips from Grandpa.

Aunt Beth is helping Aiden shoot the bow. Look at that arrow in action!
Grandpa took Ellie on a Gator ride and she fell asleep on him. I think he enjoyed his snuggling time with her.
Noah blowing some bubbles. (photo from Aunt Beth-thanks!)
Aunt Beth spent quite awhile blowing bubbles for the little guys and Ty and Aiden were so cute running around popping them. Just listening to them giggle was so cute.

Aiden helped himself to some of Ellie's treats. I think she's asking him to give her some!
Drew gave the kayak a try out on the lake. All the boys seemed to have fun on it. We borrowed it from a friend to try.
Todd took Ty and Aiden on a kayak ride and let them take turns paddling.
Aiden eventually jumped ship and did some more swimming.

My picture didn't turn out too well---this one is Beth's. How cute is that?? Grandpa holding up Ellie as the sun sets in the background. It's really a beautiful picture but the funny story behind it is that we were trying to recreate the scene in the Lion King where little Simba is presented to the herd. For some reason, the sun setting reminded us all of that movie.

I was playing around with Scrapblog again and came up with this. Nothing too exciting but it's a cute way to post pictures from the weekend.