Welch Family Journal

Emma's 8th Birthday

2012-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 8! She seems too young to be 8 yet she tries to act like she 18. ;)

She had a lot of fun this year. She got to celebrate 4 times! The first time was with our church small group. Ms. Jolie busted out party hats and a candle to make her feel special. She loved it!

The 2nd party was with our MA family. This was the first year they have been able to attend one of her birthday parties. That alone made it super special for her. We had pizza upstairs at Aunt Jesse and Uncle Jeff's house. We had all the family over and she received several awesome presents!

Her iPod Shuffle from Mom and Dad!

Bonding time with Uncle Rob

Her 3rd party was at school. (sorry no pictures)

Her 4th and final celebration was her actual party. She had it at Snip-it's Salon. She invited a few of her friends from church. All the little girls got their hair done, nails done, did a fashion show, and got to color a take home bag. It was a special time with new friends.

NYC at Thanksgiving!

2012-01-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving we loaded up and went to NYC! We went to see Peyton, one of our favorite "big kids" from Ar. She was there to preform (Cheer) in the Macy's Day Parade. Peyton and Mrs. Heather let us tag along and spend their off day with them. The kids (and Matt and I) were so excited to see Peyton again! We'd missed her. We booked a room in the same hotel as her and booked tickets to se the Rockets at the same showing as her.

We got up and got ready and met them for breakfast. We had to walk because of the crazy traffic. We walked around a few blocks looking at stores and seeing sights. Emma fell in love with The American Girl store and begged for a doll. Garrett had to be dragged out of the Lego store. Then we walked to the Rocketts show. It was wonderful! Emma left saying "I want to be a Rockett when I grow up". After the show, we walked around some more. Peyton found some bling she needed at Tiffany's. Matt found his one Christmas wish at the Apple store. By then it was raining pretty good and we got soaked! We walked to a lunch spot and ate some warm soup. Then it was back to the hotel to chill with Peyton until it was time to drive the 4 hours back to Natick. :) It was a great time with two special ladies!

Garrett's 1st lost tooth

2012-01-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Garrett finally lost his first tooth! He was not excited about it being loose. He was so worried it would fall out in the middle of the night and choke him he wouldn't wiggle it or show it to you. I tried to explain that even if he did accidentally swallow it, it's too small to choke him. Yet, he still worried. So, needles to say we were all excited when he finally lost it! He lost it on the school bus one morning. It was pretty loose already and he was leaning forward and the bus hit a bump and he bumped his mouth on the seat in front of him. According to Emma he "freaked out" and was "crying a lot" because it came out like that. I was at his school later that day to participate in his Christmas Party and he was proud of it by then. He was ready for the tooth fairy! What I find interesting are all the similarities between Garrett and Emma's 1st lost tooth stories.

1. Both lost it because it was real loose and was accidentally bumped

2. Both lost it around Christmas time

3. Both lost it near Grammie and Jesse

Garrett put it under his pillow and woke up to $2!! (Emma only got $1 for her first)

Halloween

2012-01-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

This year Emma dressed up as a Vampire and Garrett was a Blue Ninja. They were super excited about wearing their costumes to school! Mommy was glad their classrooms are only around the corner from each other. I went from one to the other and back again at least 4 times to be able to see everything they both were doing. :)

Here's a few of the highlights:

This was also the first year the kids have ever gone door-to-door trick-or-treating. Usually we have Trunk or treat at church and are done for the night. They were super excited to try this new adventure. Of course it snowed the day before so it was super cold! Welcome to New England! :)

Family Apple Picking

2011-12-10T12:33:00.001-08:00

We went on our first Family Apple Picking trip! We went with 3 other families from church that we've become good friends with. It was a lot of fun!

Kindergarten Field Trip

2011-10-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Garrett's Kindergarten took a class trip to the Apply Orchard. He was so excited to 1. ride a school bus for the first time, 2. go on his first school field trip, and 3. go apple picking for the first time.

Apple donut and apple cider snack

Getting ready to feed the goats

Class photo

Whale Watch

2011-10-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

After a failed attempt the day before, we headed back into Boston on Friday and made it to the Whale Watch Tour. It was a beautiful day! The kids were super excited!

Ready to Go

A bit windy in the front of the boat on the way out

Watching for water spouts

Playing on the boat on the way back to land

New England Aquarium

2011-10-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Last week we rode the T into Boston trying to make the Whale Watch Tour. When we got there the tour was closed for that day because of unsafe seas. Thankfully, Matt had gotten the Aquarium pass from the library. So we made it an Aquarium day. It was fun! We saw Sea Lions getting their teeth brushed. We saw a Seal Show with a seal named Isaac- who was acting up and not obeying. Let's just say we joked about the Seal and our friend Isaac. It was funny. :)

The kids loved the 3 level middle huge tank. They saw penguins, huge sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and crazy fish.

Emma loved getting to hold a starfish. Garrett was finally convinced to touch a starfish.

After we'd spent a couple of hours looking at all the displays we headed over to the IMAX to see the Sharks 3D movie. it was pretty cool.

Next we were all hungry (despite the popcorn and pretzel we'd had at the movie) so we went to Quincy Market. There is every food you can think up so we all got what we wanted and finally found a bench to sit on to eat. Next, we did a quick tour of Fanueil Hall then a Carousal ride before heading back to the house.

Puppy's bday party

2011-10-07T06:07:00.001-07:00

If you know my son at all you know the importance of his "white" puppy in his life. White is in "" because the dog started out as white but has been so loved that even after I bleach the thing it's still dingy. But man that thing is so loved! Well, we had an early release day last week from school. It turned into a chilly and rainy day. The kids were bored and G wanted to have a bday party for Puppy. We went to the store and bought cookies and birthday plates. When we got back to the house, the kids made party hats and assembled the party-goers. Our new friend Brooke (age 5) was also in attendance.

Free Fenway Game

2011-10-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we were given Free Fenway Tickets. It was a wonderful gift from great people at church. It was supposed to be a chilly night so we layered up and headed out. We drove into Boston and parked. The kids were super excited because this would be Emma's 2nd Fenway game and Garrett's 1st Fenway game. Both have been to other Red Sox games but not at Fenway. The tickets we had were great. We were in a upper section where we had our own "waiter" to order food/drinks and he'd bring them to us. We had a great view of the field as well. The kids did better than I expected. They made it to the 5th inning before starting with the "Im cold", "Im tired", "can we leave yet" act. All in all they had fun and it was a fun family trip.

Of course we had to get a picture of Wally!

Sept 1st week updates

2011-09-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Recent Updates:

The kids are doing great in school. They love going each day. They are making lots of friends, even if they don't always remember the new friends names.

Friday we went to Garrett's Kindergarten picnic. We brought a picnic dinner. They had it on the blacktop by Emma's big playground. They hired a kid friendly DJ and had a rocking party. I met a couple of parents from his class. It was a cute time.

Matthew got to go back to LR for a few days. The rest of us were quite jealous! Glad he got to go and see special friends though.

After he flew back in we loaded up the van and went to CT for a family bday party. That was fun to get to see those family members again. Of course emma and garrett were super excited that Calvin and Lucas (cousins) were there.

I had another interview last week. We'll see how it goes. . . . though gotta say, kinda enjoying staying home without kids right now. I know we will eventually need to eat and buy gas and then this whole not working things gonna stink. But for now, it's a nice break from all the activities I was either in charge of or co-in charge of in LR. ;)

Matt's really enjoying the Youth Group time up here. We've been to several people's houses for dinner/get together and have already made several friends. Matt's taking the YG to Six Flags New England this Saturday. Should be great. Due to lack of extra transportation, the kids and i will be staying home. . . . Maybe next time.

One of the YG kids parents walked up to Matt Sunday and handed him 4 Red Sox tickets. (Nice) so we're taking Emma to her 2nd and Garrett to his 1st Fewnway game this Friday. Sadly, somehow after 11 years of marriage I have no Red Sox clothing. So I am trying to decide on a new top for the game since the rest of my family has Red Sox attire.

Then Sunday Matt's going to a Patriots game. The next Wednesday Matt's going to another Red Sox game. (The Pat's and other Sox tix were bday/xmas gifts he already had from his mom and sister.) So he has a busy sports filled bday week coming up. . . .Ps his bday is Wed, Sept. 21. :)

We had a couple of cold days last week and I realized I didn't have my and matt's fall/winter clothes boxes here. So I finally went to the storage shed and found them, the day before it got hot again. :) But Fall is quickly approaching up here. One of the good things about this fall/winter time up here is I get new clothes! I don't have nearly enough winter clothes to support myself up here. ;) Darn.

Kids are still loving the Library up here. They love that's its within walking distance so I let them get books and movies all the time. They also love getting to run into their Grammie (and Aunt Jesse) almost every time they go there.

That's about all this past week had in store. I will update more as it happens.

AR friends- partial list

2011-09-06T12:14:00.001-07:00

A slide show of a few of our friends we left behind.

1st day of school 2011

2011-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

The kids started school on Wednesday, August 31st. They will both be attending Lilja elementary. They were so excited to start their new school! They had their new back packs. Their new lunch boxes. And their new school outfits (from Aunt Jesse).

New school clothes

New Selena Gomez backpack!

New Lego Star Wars backpack and Star Wars lunch box!

Waiting to be shown to his classroom.

Wingasheek Cousin Day

2011-09-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

The day before the Hurricane was supposed to hit we took a big family group to Wingasheek Beach. :) In all we had: Great Grammie, Grammie, Aunt Linda, Aunt Ginger, Ginger's two boys (Calvin (15) and lucas (11), Aunt Jesse, Jesse's little friend Brooke (5), me, and my two kids (E (7) G (5))

We had a lot of fun with the family! Emma spent the day following the big boys around. She has a bit of a cousin crush on her cousin Calvin. It's super sweet. Of course my kids think they belong with all teenagers so it wasn't a surprise when she opted to follow them around all day. To give the boys credit, they included her perfectly. It was great! G, well he kinda marches to his own drum and had fun playing in the sand near the adults.

Boston Children's Museum

2011-09-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Recently Grammie (Matt's mom), the kids and I went to the Boston Children's Museum.(www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org). We opted to drive in instead of taking the train. Yes, Marti drove in Boston! Grammie had reserved the Library passes for us so the entrance fee was only 1/2 it's usual cost. . . .LOVE library passes!

The first thing we noticed was the sign that said "New exhibit- Wizard of Oz" Yes!!

Emma started off climbing this next thing that went up 3 stories and back down again. Garrett didn't want to do that. :) Don't blame him. It was pretty crowded.

1st the "Science Playground" where they saw live animals (yes even a snake I accidentally glimpsed), a microscopes.

The bubble room (sorry they are sideways)

The "raceway". A room with several large marble tracts that helped you calculate gravity and speed.

Emma's Favorite. The Art room. This day they were using tools Architects use.

Johnny's Workbench room. Real Saws!

In the Arthur and Friends room.

Video of Garrett and Emma playing with the interactive wall projections.

Peep's World room. (water and Sand play mostly)

Writing with the glow wand

G's favorite room, Construction Zone!

This next section is for Madi and Mrs. Allison. :)

Following the Yellow Brick Road

Finally the Wizard of Oz room.

Trying to stand in the tilting farmhouse

Making a horse of a different color

Controlling the Wizard

Getting to be brave while crawling through the Lion's tunnel

Making gears run with the Tin Man

Riding the bike (toto in the basket)

"Im a horse boy"

Theory- "If a cow boy rides a horse. then a horse boy rides cows"

Straight from my 5 year old's mouth! Pretty good theorizing.

Making a tornado

Climbing a wall in the Kid Power area

Playing basketball

Trying to follow the pattern on the light up floor

Here's the kids vidoes of them trying to pull themselves up.

Lake Day

2011-08-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was finally able to register the kids for school at Lilja Elementary (http://www.natickps.org/Lilja/Homepage.cfm). We met Garrett's teacher and she seemed real nice. He still has a 20 minute "rest time" each day. Nice. Emma's class was right across the hall from G. That's nice for them both. They were real excited about the no uniforms and no regulations on back packs. :) I'm just glad that's finally done. They start school next Wednesday.

Today Paula, the kids, and I went to Hopkinton State Park (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/hpsp.htm) They have a lake with a little beach at it. It was a beautiful day for it and there were very many people at all. (Well except for the hour the YMCA daycare was there. but they kept their kids in a group pretty good) The kids loved playing in the water and sand. It is only about 20 minutes from the house.

Showing off more Taylor Swim Skills

Making their castle with a moat

Tomorrow is movie day at the Library.

Thursday Paula and I are taking the kids into Boston to the Children's Museum!

Friday is another Ocean day.

Saturday is a family cookout.

Sunday will be more church fun.

Monday will be another state park.

Wednesday school starts!

Monday Monday

2011-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well, today it's raining. I guess the ground needed it and it does help cool everything off but it makes it hard o contain two active children while their Daddy has to work from home. So after lunch the kids and I went to the Natick Mall to their play place. The kids enjoyed it. It was crazy! there were a ton of young children there running around.

After the Mall we went to the library. The kids each got their own library card and checked out a book and a movie. Garrett just couldn't believe we were letting him check out 2 movies! . . . I guess he was used to Mommy renting at Redbox and saying you have to choose 1 each time. :)

I've sent off several resumes to different school districts hoping for a teacher aid job. They didn't call today but I did only send them out Saturday! (Prayers on that aspect would be greatly appreciated).

Matt and I signed the kids up for Parents Night Out at Paula's church saturday. They do it one saturday a month. It's cheap and last 3 hours. If you sign up your kids you are expected to help keep the kids at some point. Not too bad a trade off. :) So Matt and I had a date night. We went out to eat and to a movie. It was great getting to go out together.

Beach day

2011-08-09T17:53:00.001-07:00

This past Friday we took a beach day! It was about 1 hour and 15 mins away from our new home. Yea! We loaded up (took friends and family) and head to the beach. It is a great family beach because it is shallow for quite a ways and there aren't any big waves. The kids loved it. we got there when the tide was out and stayed until the tide came in. Mommy got red as a lobster. the kids did fine. They loved getting to build sandcastles, look for crabs in the water, walk along the sandbar, and have fun all around! Here's a few pictures of our fun:

That night daddy came home! We don't mind sharing him with big kids but we do miss him while he's gone and are always happy to see him come home. . . . especially when he brings presents! He brought a camp t-shirt for each kid!

Saturday we just hang out and relaxed as a family.

Sunday we went to our new church home for class and big church. It was great. The kids went right in to their classes and enjoyed them. We went to lunch with Peter, Becky, Hannah, and Rachel. My kids have adopted H and R as theirs now. :)

Then we went to Boarders for their closing sale. G wants a Red Sox wall calendar. They didn't have any but each kid picked out something and I got a book. gasp! I know a real paper book! Yikes!

We went back to the house for an hour then it was time to head back to the building for a farewell dinner for one of the families. After dinner there was an impromptu youth group bowling night set up. So we bowled. I had to eat crow because I stank it up and Matthew did quite well. (unlike our last bowling night). Then we all went for ice cream before returning to the building. We had so much fun with the teens.

Monday I didn't feel to great and spent the morning napping. then we just relaxed a bit the rest of the afternoon.

Today the kids and I went with Jesse to her friend's house who has a pool. The kids loved it. They did fairly well at getting along. Only a few "talks" with mommy over disagreements. :) Then we came back to the house and relaxed until Matthew could get away from his work long enough to go to the bank and open checking accts.

So far, we're doing good up here in the north. The weathers been great. I know, I know, enjoy it now because once Winter hits we'll be locked in for months with bitter cold all around us. :)

First Pictures

2011-08-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a few picture of what we've been up to this first week.

Ice cream shop right on the town common. (walking distance from the house)

Scooters (and eventually bikes/roller skates) on the common

Here's part of the Children's area at the Library. It's pretty wonderful.

Our Sunday morning treat!

The Library where Matt's mom works.

Paula/ Jesse & Jeff/ and our House

Going to the Movies to see Smurfs!

A super fun park nearby

Day one

2011-08-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today I drove to Wal-Mart and Stop and Shop all by myself without getting lost! . . . Ok so I had the GPS for Wal-Mart but I still was able to do it with two kids in the car on roads i usually didn't pay attention to. I feel accomplishment with that. :)

After we did some grocery shopping, the kids and I walked up to the Common and they rode their scooters around while I read my Kindle. Then we walked up to the Library (to let G go potty) and down to Dunkin Donuts (to take a picture to post later).

We did a little more scooter time then came back to the house for some kiddie pool time. They splashed away while I read some more.

Finally we came in for baths. I cooked dinner for everyone. Chicken Alfredo, mixed veggies, bread sticks, and fruit salad. Yea me!

Our day was a success. Tomorrow I think I'll work on hanging up Emma's clothes and getting those where she can get to her stuff.

Our big move

2011-07-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't been told or heard through the grapevine, we've moved to Massachusetts!

Matt got a part time Youth Minister job up near his family. He will also be working part time for his current employer Acxiom (based in LR) as a computer programmer. . . . but his true love is teenagers!

We are very excited for this move! We are so very sad to leave all our family and friends and "big kids" in Arkansas but knows God has great things in store for us up here. Arkansas has been our families home for 11 years. And Marti's home for a few years longer.

I used to used this blog to help keep the Mass family up to date with the going on's of our lives (ok the kid's lives more than us grown ups!) now I will use it to help keep the AR/MO family up to date. I will do my best to update at least weekly. For this first post I'll just run down some FAQ's. ;)

When are you moving? We officially moved in last night
Where are you living? Currently we are living with Matt's mom and Sister/Brother in law in Natick, MA. Once our house in AR sells we will be buying a house in Norton, MA

Is your house for sale in AR? not yet. we have a good friend who is a contractor working on updating the bathrooms and kitchen before we put it on the market. Hopefully it'll be done soon and sell very soon!

Are you (Marti) going to work? Yes, I am currently looking for a 9-2 job so I can drop kids at school and pick up from school

Are you sleeping at Dunkin Donuts yet? no, not yet. We are going to have to set a limit on how much I am allowed to eat or they will be rolling me in and out of the building soon!

Are you accepting visitors? YES. Though until we have a house of our own, you'd have to get a hotel if you come up. :)

Are the kids excited? yes, though it's still like vacation to them so far. They miss their friends already and the cat but are having fun too.

Later this week, I'll try to take pictures of all our new surroundings and post on here for all to see.

Much love to all! I need to go unpack some more.

Keep On Dancing - Recital

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the videos I shot of Emma's Dance Rehearsal. Enjoy!

Happy Days (Tap)

Dynasty (Ballet)

Friends Dance (Jazz)

May Updates

2011-05-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Emma's 1st Grade Fairy Tale Play

Emma had a "microphone part" . . . . typecasting at it's best! :)

Aunt Tanya made it for part of it!

Some of her girl friends

Emma's teacher, Mrs. Parker. She is an awesome teacher!

Emma's student teacher, Ms. Stout. She was an awesome teacher as well!

Garrett and Noah. Best Buds!

Garrett Graduated from Kindergarten

Singing their songs

Getting his Preschool Diploma

A group shot

Happy boy

Good friends

G and "little Emma"

Sweet neighbor Adi

Mrs. Tammy!

Jenna Winna Chicken Dinna

Sweet Madi Girl

His centerpiece

Emma's Field Day

Sand Art

Bubbles

Chalk

FreezePop break

Face Paint

Water Ball Toss

April highlights

2011-05-20T11:05:00.001-07:00

Princess on Ice

We went to Disney Princess on Ice with a group of Garrett and Emma friends.

Group Shot

My Prince

The Big Girls

Garrett's Girls

We had Easter Fun!

At our school party.

It was rainy, so we had to "hunt" in the gym.

The Easter Bunny came!

Eggs with Children's Church

Dyeing eggs just to make Aunt Jennifer happy. :)

Spring Sing

We took the kids to their first ever Spring Sing at Harding. They loved it. Emma left saying "I can't wait till I'm in college"

These are two of our favorite "big kids"!

New Van

WE GOT A MINI-VAN! I am in Heaven with this Van. I love it. I love it. I love it!
(These are just a few of the many kids I cart around) I love me some kiddos!

Girl Scout Camp Out

Emma and I went to our first Girl Scout Camp out. It was fun but poured down rain for alot of it.

We went on a Family trip to the Zoo.

Looking at the new Penguin exhibit

We Daddy comes we get to ride the train!

And get Slushies!

More March

2011-05-20T10:43:00.001-07:00

We went to Jefferson City, MO with Big Daddy to see Ken's play. While there it snowed!

We had a a girly sleep over. Garrett and Daddy left town to go to some Red Sox games.

We started at Larry's Pizza.

Then on to the swimming pool with friends. We watched A Little Mermaid while swimming!

Next we went back to the house and watched a Barbie movie and finally after much giggling fell asleep.

Finally up the next day to watch Tangled at the theater. . . . it was a giggly-movie weekend!

March updates 1

2011-03-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since our last post! So much is always happening I forget to post. ;) I'll summerize our lives lately and then try to update every other week or so.

First of all, my Mom, Cheryl, is on the last leg of her fight with cancer and that has taken up a lot of our time/energy/and thoughts. Last month I decided to stay in Texarkana for a week last minute. Matt and the kids did a great job taking care of things in LR without me there to manage them. I was so proud of all 3 of them. :)

Garrett's birthday is next week. My baby boy will be 5! It's hard to believe that in the fall he will be going to "big school" It will be the first time we've been separated for any length of time. I've been his teacher since he was born. He was with me and daycare and now school. I think we're both ready for his next step. We love each other early but are a tad attached at the hip. ;) He is still really into Dinosaur train, cars, trains, and recently getting into sports of all types. He's doing good in school this year. Last year was rough getting into the whole Montessori swing of things. He's better this year and on the verge of reading. He's a sweet sweet boy who almost always has a smile.

Emma's doing great in school. She's always telling me things she's learned. She's doing good in her dance classes too. She's currently doing Tap/Jazz and Ballet. She's also started Girl Scouts. (which I'm now the leader) She loves being social. She also likes to be a helper (sometimes too much ;) ) She's already showing signs of being a good babysitter just like her mom was. She's now 7. Which is also hard to believe. She loves Barbies, dress up, talking to everyone, and especially art of any kind. She's a sweet girl who loves to help.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

This year we went to a new pumpkin patch in Scott, AR with our small group. The kids had fun but is was super dusty and more expensive than I'd expected. Here's a few of my favorite shots. (my camera battery stopped towards the end. once I get pictures from K I'll add them and let ya'll know)

Race for a cure

2010-10-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Emma, Garrett, Tanya, and I went out and walked the family 2K for Race for a Cure. This was the first year the kids walked. Usually I drag out the big red wagon and they get to ride in peace while Tanya and i switch off dragging them around. No more. They are big enough to walk it now. Yes! . . . . . . We did have to walk slowly . . . . . but at least they walked. They enjoyed see all the different signs, shirts, and interesting people while walking. Part of the fun was when we were walking over the first bridge and realized, no we weren't just extra tired and barely walking straight, yes the bridge was swaying a great deal. Nice.

The stripping firemen. Who sadly weren't stripping, nor super cute this year. :)

Firefest

2010-10-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

NLR Fire Dept holds an annual Firefest near our house. The kids love going and seeing the firetrucks, doing the smoke house, working through fireman training, getting their face painted, getting hats/balloons, and seeing friends. This year my school, LCK, did fire safety week the same week as firefest. I encouraged all the kids to show up. Well apparently if Mrs. Marti says you should go . . . . you have to go. I think I counted 8 kids from our class there, plus others that I didn't see personally. :)

Garrett climbing into a fire truck. He liked it until one of the ones near him had their siren go off. garrett had a look of terror for a minute thinking he'd touched something and was going to get in trouble.

Emma in the truck

Posing by the pink ribbon truck

We caught up with our good friend Madi. (Madi has a crush on Garrett and will follow Emma around like a little sister) Once we found her, we stayed with her the rest of the night,

Doing part of the fireman training

Dragging the "injured man"

They both got to spray a fire hose at a target

Sorry it's sideways but here' a picture of Emma helping Madi hold her brother Paxton in the old fashioned fire engine.

1st grade chicks

2010-10-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Emma's class at school hatched chicks this week. As an added bonus, each child was given the opportunity to be a"chick sitter" for a night. Last night was our night.

It started with me locking up the cat and going to get emma and the chicks at school. When we got home, I had to tell emma she couldn't hold them all night but she could keep their box in her room. I told her to watch a movie in there and she said "It'll be like I'm babysitting" (heehee). Then she had to find a movie with animals in it, but not her cat movie. I went to talk to Matt and she came running in "I found the perfect movie! It's 'The ugly duckling'" . . . . ok so too cute.

Then Garrett woke up from his nap and wanted to pet the chicks.

They spent the night holding and petting the chicks and "talking" to them by saying cheep cheep cheep.

So excited to have the chicks in her room!

Showing off the chicks

Garrett and Spike

Emma and Daphodil

Garrett's mild color blindness

2010-10-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the eye dr with Garrett. He has been diagnosed with a "mild red-green color blindness"
This means he can see red and green but no strongly. He also probably sees everything else in a different shade than us "normal" people do. Something very red to us might seem orangy to him. He also has trouble with shading. If you hold up something blue and something purple separately he can tell you the color. If they are all mixed together he usually can't tell the difference. He is supposed to be re-checked every couple of years to see if it turns from mild to severe. As for now, nothing really changes in his life except my expectations of his work in school. The dr said next year when he starts Kindergarten, I should let his teacher know of this issue so she can be aware for testing sake but all in all shouldn't really effect his school work.

Ps. emma who hovered during the test did fine and wanted everyone to know she knows her colors perfectly. . . . even if her toothless mouth can't properly pronounce all the color names now. ;)

Emma and Garrett find mommy's camera . . . .

Here's a bit of what he's learning in Bible class . . . .

Piker/Welch Zoo Day

2010-09-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

The kids and I had the honor of a sleep over at Mrs. Anna and Julia's house recently. We ate popcorn, watched Emma's dance recital video, then split up - kids video in one room and girly video in the other. (Mr. Jerrod and Mr. Matt were out doing other things) the kids had a blast playing and watching TV. Only a couple of squabbles but that's to be expected among siblings. :)

After the kids went to bed and Mr. Jerrod came home, the grown ups watch some Prison Break TV. LOVE IT!

Then we all went to bed. After some room/bed rearranging mid-night we got back to sleep and slept all night.

In the morning we got up, ate donuts, and got ready to head to the zoo!

Roaring like lions

Pretty in pink

What's not to love?!

Being Flamingos

Feeding the fish

Goofy girl

We had a lot of fun together at the zoo. Afterwards we had a picnic at a nearby playground. The kids played while the mommies chatted. . . . . Best part of the whole weekend (besides Prison Break) was when Julia was talking and said "sissy did something" without even thinking about it. (She was referring to Emma) . . . We love our Pikers!

Emma's trip to MO

2010-09-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

This summer Emma had the pleasure of traveling to MO to spend the week with (great) Aunt Judy and Uncle Frank. Mommy grew up with Aunt Judy and Cousin Kenny and Cousin Amie in Jeff City (Jefferson City, MO). Well Cousin Amie has a daughter who's 6 like Emma and Aunt Judy decided to keep both girls for a week this summer. They had a blast!

During this one week the girls:

Visited the state capital building where they took a tour and had fun

Ate ice cream at Central Dairy and Dairy Queen

Visited Uncle Cletus

Went to the Tooth Fairy movie

Went to Bible class

Went to the cool swimming pool with Ken and Judy - twice

Rode a train to Sedalia for Mexican food with Ken, Judy, Frank, and cousin/aunt Cassie

Had a scavenger hunt at the park

Had a Fancy Nancy Party with other girls from church, Judy, and cousin Lyshia

Painted pottery

Decorated matching hats/ t-shirts

Visited the Runge Nature Center

Cousin power

Fancy Nancy Tea party

DQ Ice Cream Treat

At the park

Pool with Ken

Ken and Marti . . a few years earlier

On the Train

Cousins and Friends

Amie and Marti - Also good friends as cousins

When they came home they were sorely let down by the lack of planned activities after this fun filled week. They got to share a bed, which means giggles and talking till late. They had books, movies, Barbies, dress-up, and coloring books to fill any spare moments. They got to wear make-up and trade clothes. All in all it was a great week for them both. . . thought I know Aunt Judy and Uncle Frank were worn out by the end! :) I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family that I can share with my kids.

New school year

2010-09-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

The school year is officially underway for all of us here at casa welch.

Emma:

Emma started 1st grade at a local public school here in town. She went to K there as well. We love Indian Hills. They have great teachers and she and I have made many good friends. She enjoys her new teacher this year and is thriving in class. So far she's done a good job keeping her talking in check. (we had a real problem with this all last year - go figure in this family). She's doing a lot better on her read skills. She adores art of any kind.

Garrett:

Garrett is in his last year with Mommy at school. He is doing so much better than last year. He's matured a lot over the summer. He's still a 4 year old active boy, but doing much better with school rules. :) He is kinda big man on campus this year. In fact he has 4 little girls (ages 3-4) who follow him around and try to always sit by him. Sadly, he is oblivious to this. someday he will care. I approve of all 4 so i am allowing it to continue at this point. :) He is trying to sound out words in books at home. Hopefully he is ready and willing and will start reading soon. He is beginning to really enjoy art just about as much as Emma.

Marti:

So far, this year is heading into a good year at school. Garrett's more in control of himself so that helps the morning pass quickly and with less stress.

In other news:

Emma is now the toothless wonder. She is missing her 2 front teeth. I tell people it's because she goes to public school and you should see the other kid but she always breaks in and corrects me.

Emma has been moved into the 8-12 year old tap/jazz and ballet classes. Her teacher seems to think she has potential. Emma loves to be with the older class and is finally not the tallest kid in the room!

Garrett has decided he is going to be a tow truck driver when he grows up. He is obsessed with them right now.

I love reading my kindle so much, emma drew a picture at church of her and garrett playing ball outside. Where was mommy in this picture? She was sitting off to the side, under an umbrella, reading her kindle. . . . out of the mouths of babes. :)

Garrett and Emma both love arts and crafts of any kind. They love to draw, color, cut, glue, tape . . . . and the list goes on. They both have an awesome imagination when it comes to making stuff and playing with it.

funny sayings from garrett

2010-06-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

During church this morning Garrett looked over and saw a kid his age standing on the back of the pew. He looked at me and said "He's standing on the pew. That's just not safe. . . . well at least his daddy's helping hold him up" . . . yep Tanya, Granny, and I are teaching him right. Watch out for safety G!

Garrett was listening to a man sing "When you wish upon a star" at Emma's dance recital. When he was done. G leans over to Aunt Sarah and says. "umm sa-ruh. One of my dreams can't come true because it's about a bear that can talk."

While at a seafood restaurant in Branson. We are talking about there being salt in the Ocean (for some reason). G looks up and asks "if there's a salt ocean, is there a pepper ocean?"

Both our kids say some of the craziest things. They CONSTANTLY ask questions to learn more and more.

May 2010

2010-06-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since Easter (my last post). Sorry for the lack of updates but we've been so busy here. The month of May has brought 3 major events . . .

1. Marti had to write and "produce" her first Kindergarden graduation

It turned out great and went off without a hitch. My co-worker and I were very worried but it all worked out. We already have big plans to change up the ceremony for next year to make it go even better.

2. Garrett participated in his 1st graduation ceremony

Garrett hammed it up all during graduation practice and had us all worried but he did a great job sitting still, singing, and saying his lines in front of everyone. I was so proud.

3. Emma graduated from Kindergarden.

She did a great job with her graduation program. Although it was a bumpy year with our verrrrrry chatty child it was a good one where she learned a lot.

We are now all officially out of school for the summer. . . . This summer should be interesting since it'll be the first summer I am not working. It'll be me and the kids all day every day. :)

Easter 2010

2010-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

As is our tradition we went to texarkana for easter this year. Funny thing was, garrett and I were out for good friday so we all made plans to go to texark on thursday eve, assuming emma was out too because my school follows her schools calendar. Well, apparently she was supposed to be out . . . we let her skip to be with cousins! Too cool parents! We went to granny and big daddys. We got to play with cousins, caroline and hannah. We go to go to How to Train Your Dragon (again) with cousins and Aunt Tanya! We hunted Easter eggs. The kids got Easter baskets. We got to play at me-me and po-pos. I had to dye easter eggs with the kids . . . but it didn't kill me . . . thankfully. We got to spend time with Aunt Lulu! We even go to see Aunt Jenn and Uncle Jason for a bit. It was a great weekend with family.

Disney 2010

2010-03-29T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here's pictures of our Spring Break Disney and Beach trip. I'll post words later. So tired right now . . ..

1st broken heart

2010-02-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, the kids and I made a trip to Texarkana. While there, Emma and Me-me sewed a white w/pink teddy bear. As soon as Emma saw the package she said "I will make it for Isaac". I tried to tell her he might not want a white and pink bear since he is an almost 6 year old boy. But she had her mind set. A couple of nights ago, Isaac was at our house ( a rare occasion here lately). Emma ran to give him the bear while he was running around with garrett. He took it and threw it and said "I don't want this". She looked at him, came into my room, and there on her face was the worst crushed face ever. Then the tears started. It made me and matt sorry for her. We then had to explain to her how Isaac didn't know she'd worked hard on it just for her. How he was a 6 year old boy and didn't really want white and pink bears. How he still was one of her best friends. She finally put on a brave face and went back to playing. Later that night she picked up the bear and said "Mommy, I want this bear to be for you" I picked it up, thanked her for it, and set it next to another bear she'd given especially to me on my night stand. That perked her up quite a bit. All in all it was sad and cute to see how her little heart worked. Sadly, there's more heartbreak because of special boys in her life coming up all too soon. We will cherish the silly moments while we can.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

This year, we were at home for Christmas Day. The kids were sooo excited! We started off the festivities by mommy locking herself in her room and wrapping presents, then putting them under the tree Christmas eve. (we couldn't put them out earlier because I was afraid the cat would chew on them).

Tree with just mom/dad gifts

Tree with Santa gifts added

Game table also from mom/dad

Then mommy made A TON of chocolate covered pretzels for our trip to Branson (Christmas day through new years day). See me-me!!

Next, came the putting out of reindeer food. This is the 1st year I have ever heard of this. We always left carrots on the plate with the cookies for Santa, assuming he would take the carrots to the reindeer. This year, I was introduced to Reindeer food (cheerios, dry oats, and glitter) that you throw on the yard. The glitter reflects the moon and draws the reindeers attention. Interesting. The kids loved it though.

Kids with presents from a couple of their favorite "big kids" from Church. Thanks Taylor and Dylan! The kids felt so special!

Then we set out the cookies/pretzels and milk.

They got to pick one (mommy approved) gift to open.

Next, they laid out the stockings.

Finally, emma was given strict instructions on what time she could get out of bed and come wake up mommy. :) (she's our early riser anyway) Then, daddy and mommy found things to occupy their time while waiting for the kids to go to bed. It took awhile for them to fall asleep. :)

Emma got up at 7:30 and slowly crept in to wake up mommy. She and I started cinn rolls then woke up G and daddy. We all ate our breakfast then went down to check the loot. They loved all the presents form Santa and mommy and daddy! It was a wrapping paper snowfall! Garrett couldn't believe all those with "G's" on them were for him! He'd find another and yell "This one's for me too!!!" Emma went straight for the "fancy nancy shaped box" and amazingly enough it was a Fancy nancy doll. They even got excited about the new clothes and coats (which came in handy in Branson)

Opening stockings

Emma's Fancy nancy shaped box. Garrett with the "cool round" box.

Emma's loot

Garrett's Loot

After they'd opened everything. Then the unwrapping of all the boxes to get the toys out began. Finally they were able to actually play with their new toys! :)

His blue and green leapster he asked Santa for!

Emma and fancy nancy

A few hours later, we packed up and went to meet GraMMIE and Auntie Jesse at the airport. The kids made signs to hold up with each name on it. They thought it was sooo funny to do that. Special surprise-- Jesse brought Dunkin Donuts!! I heart Jesse! After that, G and I went home while the rest worked on getting the rental car. They finally sorted that out, we packed up, went to the Chinese place to eat (only place open on Christmas Day) and finally began our trip to Branson!

Even Lucky liked his present!

Fancy Nancy Birthday Surprise

2009-12-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Emma received her birthday presents from Grammie.

It was a homemade Fancy Nancy card

wrapped in Fancy Nancy wrapping paper

A signed by the author Fancy Nancy Christmas book

AND

A framed picture of emma being Fancy Nancy for halloween signed by Fancy Nancy author!

Her picture already up on her wall!

Needless to say, Emma LOVES Fancy Nancy and was super excited about her presents!

Christmas Lane and Program

2009-12-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

This year I took the kids to the 1st Assembly of God's Christmas Lane and Christmas Program. They had soooo much fun! There was free food, free carnival games, free pony rides, free train rides, a free picture with Santa, and a free 2 hour Christmas production. There were several things that made this a wonderful night despite the freezing slush and mist we endured. 1. I rode on the ferris wheel with the kids. If you know me at all, you know this was a HUGE event. I HATE heights! . . . apparently, so does garrett. ;) He was crying before we got on. We made it one turn around then told the man to stop it on our next time around. G and I didn't brave it again. Emma went back with Mrs. Krista and Cauy-boy. 2. Krista and cauy and Anna, Jerrod, and Juju were there! 3. Mrs. Anna and Mr. Jerrod were a highlight in the Christmas Program. Mr. Jerrod did a great job with his zoot suit solo! the kids loved being able to say they knew Anna and Jerrod! Hopefully, next year it won't be raining. either way, we will be back each year!

Emma with Krista and Cauy

A match made in Heaven

A ride more G's style

Pony's!!!!

Pope Christmas 2009

2009-12-22T07:45:00.001-08:00

We had our annul Pope Family Christmas weekend this past weekend. Just as we did last year, we rented two cabins in Arkadelphia. It was wonderful. We had wonderful food, great bonding over games and shared moments. It was way too short a weekend. There were several serious health obstacles for 3 members of our family to even be able to make it there, let alone participate in the festivities. I am so thankful we were able to all do this again this year and am praying for another great weekend net Christmas. The kiddos had fun getting stockings form Santa and presents from family. After we said "ok open!" I got lost in a pile of wrapping paper. I'm not sure who got my kids what. I just know they have loved everything the got! Family really is a true blessing from God.

Holding off the kids until we had all the presents under the tree.

His new remote controlled Dino

My little ham

Mommy's Sunshine

My Love Bug

Family Shot

Emma's 6th Birthday Weekend

2009-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

This year Emma celebrated her birthday for a whole weekend! It started the week before with a family party at Granny and Big Daddy's house. Granny cooked chicken alfredo, ceaser salad, bread, and applesauce just for emma. Then came the pink cake with pink icing. :) Finally a round of several presents from Granny and Big Daddy and me-me and po-po.

Her girly friend party was next, at a pottery studio. She and her friends got to pick a piece of pottery to paint, eat cupcakes, and open presents. She really enjoyed her girly party!

After that, Matt and I surprised her with her first ever concert - Casting Crowns. We bought her earplugs just in case it got too loud for her. The ear plugs didn't stay in very well and she did complain a couple of times of it being too loud. Then she FELL ASLEEP for 45 minutes during the concert! WOW! ( glad we were given the tickets and didn't pay for them!)

Finally, what welch birthday would be complete without a trip to Larry's Pizza? We went to Larry's on Sat night with our small group and close friends, and Taylor and Lauren (best big kids ever!), and Aunt Tanya and Sara! We had about 26 people there for her. She loved it!

All in all it was a wonderful Birthday weekend for my sweet baby turned 6.

Halloween 09

2009-12-05T18:49:00.001-08:00

This year we went to the Harding Homecoming, Indian Hills Fall Carnival, CAC Fall Carnival, Church Trunk-or-treat, LCK Carnival, and the Youth Group Halloween Party! Emma was Fancy Nancy and Garrett was Batman.

Riding the pony at HU

Petting area at HU

Batman and Fancy Nancy

Bumble Bee, Batman, and Fancy Nancy

Our kids in Small Group

Painting Pumpkins

2009-12-05T18:45:00.001-08:00

Every Year the kids and I paint pumpkins to go on the front porch (instead of carving them). Here's the fruits of our labor. . . .

Emma's

Garrett's

Garrett's 1st attempt at soccer lessons

2009-10-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Garrett's 1st attempt at soccer lessons didn't go so great. He didn't want to do drills and listen to the teacher. He wanted to play with sissy and actually run and play. Mommy got so frustrated with him, we went to 2 practices then quit. It wasn't worth the tears (from us both). Here's the pictures of his first day.

Pumpkin Patch with our church Small Group

2009-10-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

This year we went to the pUmpkin patch with our church small group. It was a lot of fun. . . Also, a lot of waiting in line. The kids got to play on slides, hay tunnels, swing sets, and sandboxes while the grown-ups waited in the lines. So not too bad.

Little ears

2009-09-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Matt and I were reminded how closely we have to watch what we say when our children are with us last night. Last night, we all went to see a movie. It was a late one 7PM! Ok, so that's late for the kids to be getting home afterwards, into bed, and up for church the next day. :) After the movie we stopped at the book store and Matt and in and got the book and it's sequel for the kids. The kids were talking in the backseat. Matt and I were talking in the front. Matt said something to the effect of "blah, blah blah, the good news is I've been working on that for 2 months" . . . then without missing a beat from the back seat we hear Garrett say "the bad news is we're crashing" . . . What?! Yeah he picked up on Matt saying "the good news is" and linked it to one of the kids favorite quotes form Madagascar 2 which goes "there's good news, and bad news. The good news is we will be landing shortly. The bad news is, we're crash landing" . .. Matt and I cracked up over that. We weren't talking to him. We weren't talking loudly. He just heard a snippet and reacted. Just another friendly reminder, they are like Big Brother and always watching and listening even when you think they aren't. Oh Be Careful what you say.

The beginning of being a true boy

2009-09-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, Garrett (3 year old) and Emma (5 year old) were playing in his room. All was well, until I heard a louder than usual thud and loud crying. I ran in and found G rubbing his head. I went to hug him and felt his head. My hand was wet with blood. Nice. I asked what happened. Here's the story:

G: Sissy, push me off the bed.

E: Ok (push)

G: THUD OWWWW

They made such great choices that day. So I went and put a rag on it to clean it up. After a couple of minutes it was still bleeding (but not fast or a bunch). I took a picture with my phone and called Granny. :) She said I should go to ER and have it looked at if the bleeding wasn't stopping we might need a stitch or two.

I loaded up the kids after calling and canceling Emma's play date that was supposed to be at our house any minute. On the way I called and left a message on Matt's phone (he was on a trip with no cell coverage for 2 days) to let him know what was going on.

We waited in the ER for 2 1/2 hours. Thankfully once we were in a room, we had a TV with cartoons on it. The DR came in and looked at it and said "in these cases we usually just put a staple in it" Dr said what?! Ok I can do this. The nurse holds his head and the Dr puts a staple in. G is so brave. He doesn't scream. He only yells "owww" then cries about 5 minutes. E was there for everything and she cries some too. (seeing her brother hurt made her heart hurt). We are told to wait 10 days then have our Dr take it out. . . . I find out a few days later, basically they have a staple remover like in your office and they pull it out like that. Lovely this will be great.

Everything goes fine. He's able to sleep fine. We make sure to keep it dry and not submerge it like we were told. Then on day 8 we are playing on the floor being very careful not to bang his head and I look over and can tell the staple is now 1/2 out. I try to pull on the staple but it's in too good. We call/text 4 different nurses and get about 3 different answers of what t do. I finally call Children's hospital GPC and talk to the nurse. She says to leave it alone and call our dr in morning if it's not hurting him. We call and get an appt to take the staple out BUT it's right during Emma's 1st Cheer practice or the week. So, being the loving and concerned mommy I am, I call Aunt Tanya and ask her to just take it out for us at work so we can go to Cheer clinic as planned. :)

I go get emma from school early because of the timing of it all. When she finds out why she's being picked up, she starts crying "i don't want to see it" . . may have traumatized her more than the boy on this one. oops. We drive up and are old by information kids aren't allowed on tanys' floor. tanya then sneaks us into her break room. Emma goes around the corner. Tan pulls once and almost gets it all but G moves his head and says "My changed my mind. I don't want it out" (yeah too late buddy!) Tan grabs once more and it's finally done! G rubs his head, then proceeds to climb on the chairs.

Finally our ordeal is over. I know this is just the first in a long line of weekend ER visits and broken/torn/banged up body parts. All the joys of having a boy!

Garrett's 1st school program

2009-09-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Garrett's first school program. We had an all school potluck (21 kids in school). To make it more appealing for the parents we had the kids say the pledge and sing two songs. The kids did great and had so much fun!

Most of the class all lined up and ready to start.

My special helpers for the night Emma and Abby.

Sometimes when you are a favorite, you get to sit in the teachers lap instead of doing the program. I can't help it. She's just my sweetie! Has been since her older sister was 5 months old!

All ready to preform. What a sweet boy!

Soccer fans

2009-09-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

This past week Me-me, Po-po, Tanya, and Sara came to watch one of Emma's soccer games. Emma was so excited they were there!

Po-po and Me-me

Sara and Tanya!

Cheer Clinic 2009

2009-09-19T10:25:00.001-07:00

Emma has changed schools and goes to a public school nearby. This did not stop us from signing up and attending CAC's Cheer Clinic just like we have the past two years! I figure, she's going back to CAC in 6th grade anyway. Might as well let her learn to cheer there. We had Cheer clinic Mon-Thurs 3:45 - 5:15. All for a minute long song. BUT She had a lot of fun. She got to play with friends from her CAC class last year. AND she got to do that 1 minute long dance at half time at a CAC football game.

Here's pictures of the fun she had . . . . .

Her Cheer bag they all got at the Clinic.

The shakers they made (filled with rocks to make noise)

Friends from CAC class last year.

A few of the "big kids" that Emma was sure came just to see her . . . .

TAYLOR

LAUREN

CHRIS . . . FYI Emma has a huge crush on Chris. :) As soon as we pulled into the parking lot she said "Remember Chris is going to be here. I think that's his car." Too Cute!

The kids waiting to "help" the football players break through the banner and come on the field.

This 3 year old was in my class at Day school and loved Emma when she'd come with me to work. I put Emma to work all week helping get this sweetie through her first Cheer Clinic.

One of Emma's favorite cheerleaders.

Here's the super short dance . . . .

Head Staple

2009-09-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today the kids were playing upstairs in Garrett's room. I heard a loud thump and g crying. i ran in and he was rubbing his head and crying. I felt it and my hand came back with blood on it. Lovely. I asked Emma what happened. Here's the story.

Garrett: Sissy push me off the bed (they were standing on)

Emma: Ok (then she pushes)

At that point he falls backwards, hitting the kid table on his way down.

After 2 1/2 hours in the ER, he now has his 1st Head Staple. He was a brave man. He was fine letting them clean it. Then they held him and staples. He hollered once then cried for about 5 minutes. But not crazy crying, just tears and wanting to be held. Emma even cried a few tears for him. (since she was there to witness it all)

Then we went to McDonalds for ice cream to celebrate him being so brave!

Daddy was out of town . . . he misses all the fun stuff! ;)

Let's play catch up

2009-09-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

It has been another long while since I posted here. Sorry! Here's some of what we've been up to down south.

Garrett and I started our new school. It's Montessori method so that's been a huge adjustment for the both of us. Also, he's now expected to act like a student not a "special teacher kid" so we've both been adjusting to that as well. Finally, he gets a shorter nap than before since we have to get to emma's school early to get in the pick up line, another adjustment. SO far, we are both doing pretty good with all the changes.

Emma started Kindergarten at a close public school. She was very worried at first but already really enjoys it there. Plus as a bonus she gets to participate in CAC cheer camp just like last year. Which she is so very excited about!

Emma has started dance class for the first time ever. She's taking Ballet/Tap. She really likes her teacher and has a church friend in class with her.

Emma has also started soccer again. This time we went with a different league closer to home. She has a church friend (but not I-man) and an old CAC friend on her team. Having at least one person she already knows helps her feel at home right away. I think she's going to really like this league and these teams.

Garrett starts soccer in two weeks. His overlaps with emmas one night a week, so we will have to enlist Mrs. Kellie or a teen to help with transportation on that one. Also more fun, garrett's is "parent involved" soccer. That's right, MOMMY has to go out there and kick it with him. Uggg. Don't ever say I don't love my kids. :)

Emma has new curtains and a new quilt, thanks to Granny!

New Beginnings

2009-07-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

After much prayer and discussion, I have accepted the role of Director at the Levy Christian Kindergarten located in our church. This will be a new adventure for me and my family. I believe it is the best move for my family for so many reasons. I will truly miss so many children at PVDS and am so very saddened to leave such good friends and co-workers. I will have to work on making a ritual so certain special friends will remain in our lives forever. :) Please continue to pray for this decision to be blessed by God.

long time no see

2009-06-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

Sorry there has been a lack of blogging to the 2 people who depend on this blog to keep them updated on our lives! We have been busy off and on and tired the other times. :) So goes life with two kids. To do a quick update G-ride is working on potty training but just doesn't care that much. It drives mommy crazy but oh well i guess. He'll do it better when he cares more. Emma is out of school for the summer. Both kids come to daycare with me 3 days a week (10 hour days) and we are off 4 days a week. Those days consist of park time, pool time, and friends time. Emma will start Kindergarten in the fall at a nearby public school. We have decided to go public with both kids during elementary, then switch to CAC for high school. It hasn't really sunk in to Emma yet, but it will. She'll do better than I will with it. She makes friends in two minutes wherever we go. She will have no problems adjusting. G-ride will stay at the daycare one more year since most public schools only offer Pre K-4. I will continue to work at the daycare for a least one more year, then may go back to school for either a teaching degree or Child Life degree. We'll se how this next 6 months go before i really decide on that one. Matt is doing good. Having fun with the "big kids" at church a lot. Enjoying work most of the time.

We just got back for a quick trip to Boston for my Sis-in-laws wedding reception. It was greta to get to see all the family. Especially fun to let Emma and Garrett play with their northern cousins.

I took the kids to Riverfest this year. Kids booths were fun. Should not have tried to go to the 9pm willie nelson concert. Especially while pulling a big red wagon. Well live and learn. :)

The kids are having fun at the water park here in town but this year G-man has decided he doesn't like water that goes higher than his knees. That has been a fun development for mommy.

Our home pool

Nearby water park

Best friends

Emma's Field Day

2009-05-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

Emma had her school Field Day today. It was a fun morning of games for the whole school.

Musical Chairs

Giant Bowling

Tricycle Race

Ball Toss

Wash your mouth out

2009-05-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

If Garrett ever tries to use ugly launguage we won't be able to wash his mouth out with soap to punnish him. Mrs. Anna caught him squirting foaming soap in his mouth when he was supposed to be washing his hands in the bathroom. She called his name and he just gave her a big soapy grin and ran off. Then a little while later she caught him coming out of the bathroom with soapy hands and a big goofy "i-did-somthing" grin on his face. . . . Lovely . . .That's our son!

Caffine addict at age 3

2009-05-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

This morning at daycare, Mrs. Anna turned around to Garett gluping her coffee! She called his named adn asked "Gar do you like it?" SHe smiled, said "nooo" and took another swig! This will not turn out good today! I can't believe he drank it, Mrs. Anna likes her coffee strong like sludge! She may have an interesting day with him now! :)

Don't Worry Mom

2009-04-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

In the mornings I leave my computer set to Playhouse Disney website. That way if Emma wants to play on the computer while she's waiting for her turn to leave the house she can. Lately I've noticed purple spots on my desk (mind you it's a nice desk). Yesterday, I had a talk to her.

M: "Emma are you using your purple fingernail polish when mommy's not around?"

E: "yeah"

M: "I need you to stop. It's leaving spots on my nice desk. I don't know if those will come off"

E: looking at my facial expressions "Mom, are you worried about it?"

M: "Yes, I don't know if I can get the spots off"

E:" You know you don't have to worry about it. God can take care of it"

what do you say to that? On one hand I love that she has this great faith in God and yes the Bible tells us to not worry. On the other hand she can't do anything she pleases thinking God will make it all better.

M: "Yes baby, if God wanted to he could make the spots go away. But if you just wait until mommy's around to help make sure you aren't dripping, we don't have to evne bother with any of it. Okay?"

E: "Ok"

walking or running?

2009-04-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

At daycare the other day, Garrett's teacher caught him jogging around the table in the room with friends. Mind you, they have all been told "No running" before. So, she said "garrett, stop running"

G: "My not running. My walking really really fast"

A: "It looks like slow running to me."

G: with a shake of his head "Nope. fast walking"

Of course Mrs. Anna came in laughing to tell me about my crazy child. He is going to be in trouble sooo much when he hits school! Ahh the joys of a class clown son!

G's 3 year check up

2009-04-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I took Garrett to his 3 year check up. I told him on the way there where we were going and why. He was fine. He likes his Dr. As we pull into the parking lot he says "I want to go to Tanya's Dr" . . what? I try to think quickly when has he been to a dr with tanya. I come up with nothing, so I ask "What dr? Where?" his reply "In txrkana(Spelled the way he said it)" I am still trying to figure it out but I think h means Tanya's Hospital where she worked. Yet again I ask "Why?" . . .His reply now, "I want to ride the sklator(spelled the way he said it)" . .. Nice he is smart enough to connect he was going to a dr, drs worked at tanyas hospital in texarkana, and there was a fun escalator at that hospital. Good to know his train of thought but sadly a quick 4 hour round trip jaunt to t-town to ride the "magic stairs" is not in the cards today! HA!

Once we go into the exam room, he looks around and asks"Why we in this room?" I say "It's just a room baby. Why?" "Am my getting a shot?" I kind of chuckle and say "I don't know, we'll have to ask the nurse. Why?" He points to the exam table and says "That the shot table. They put you up there and shot you in the legs." . . .ok so he may also have an excellent memory like his sister. I laugh and the nurse standing there listening laughs and says she'll go ask the dr for him.

Good news. NOT a shot day. Which is what he tells people the rest of the day "No shots today!"

He is in the 80-90% in height and weight though! Good boy says Daddy!

dressin' up

2009-04-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

Emma in her new nightgown, easter hat and gloves, and pj pants

Garrett's batman pj's and mask

Easter 2009

2009-04-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

A few picture from Easter this year.

Bunny Picts

2009-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the kids recent "bunny picts" with a friend of ours Ms. Tammy Leker. She was awesome with the kids and the bunnies! . . . Enjoy!

Funny sayings by the kids

2009-04-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

A few funny sayings/things from the kinds here lately.

Emma:

we were in the grocery store and i was looking for vitamins. After I found what I needed, I noticed Emma at the end of the isle with several vitamin boxes in her hand. Instead of blowing up, I calmly asked her "Do you have a good reason for having all those in your hands?" She looked up at me and said "Mom, they were all mixed up. There were Cinderella ones in the spiderman isle and scooby do ones in the veggie tale spot." . . . Yep she's inherited my OCD. I rearrange things on shelves when i notice them. :) Well, needless to say I couldn't get her in trouble for that. So I just asked "did you fix them all?" She said "yes" So we went on form there.

Garrett:

When his class was getting ready to dye easter eggs, somehow he and his best friend got into a conversation about chicks being in eggs . . . He got a very serious and confused look on his face and asked his teacher. "Are there chicks in these eggs?" She smiled and said "No" He though a minute, got an even more concerned look on his face and said "Did we kill the chicks?" His teacher busted out a laugh and came to get me. She was laughing and asked me what to say to that. I of course told her to tell him these were not eggs with chicks in them. (by that point there weren't any anyway)

He might have gotten a tad spoiled by his wonderful family at his birthday. When Granny sent him an Easter card he looked at hi and said "Is there money in there?" I laughed and said "No honey" He looked at me and said "Why there no money in there?" . . I laughed even more and said "I don't know baby. You'll have to ask Granny. " . . .I blame Aunt Judy and Uncle Frank for buying the piggy bank and sending quarters to "feed it" :)

Emma's 1st Tennis Lesson

2009-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Today was Emma's 1st Tennis lesson at a court near our house. Other than being very cold and windy it was a good time. She did good for a 1st time trying. She did good listening to Jimbo her teacher. Garrett was super sad he wasn't 4 yet so old enough to take lessons. I think I may try to get Jimbo to et him go in for a few of the lessons if he can prove himself worthy by obeying. :)

So cool

2009-04-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Emma came out in this outfit spouting "I'm so cool dude" so of course I had to capture this moment on film for all to see!

Great Grandparents

2009-03-29T18:26:00.001-07:00

While on vacation in t-town for spring break, the kids spent some quality time with me-po. (while mommy and granny ran! back to granny's and had quite time to read books and watch TV) They got to make cookies, play games, go outside (though it was cold), eat candy, play more games, and so on. They had a ton of fun with their GREATgrandparents. I'm so glad my children are getting to know me-me and po-po as well as Tanya and I did growing up.

Batman!

2009-03-29T18:23:00.001-07:00

Garrett was in a yelling contest with Big Daddy (which Big Daddy started I might add) then as Big Daddy was walking off, Garrett said "where you going?" Big daddy replied with "getting my batman suit" Garrett looked up with surprise and awe "your batman suit?" . . we all laughed it off . . .until about 30 minutes later this is what comes out . . . .

At first Garrett didn't know what to think. He finally though it was pretty great and began "flying" with Big Daddy. What a super grandpa!

Home sweet home

2009-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took off a few days of Spring Break and went to old T-town to spend some quality time with the grandparents. It was too cute . . . we had been there maybe 2 minutes and emma sat down on the couch, let out a sigh, and said "ahhh it's good to be home" . . . how cute is that?! I totally felt the same way. I love getting to go "home" so often and having it be a huge part of my children's lives too.

Old Mill 2009

2009-03-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

Here are our Old Mill 2009 Pictures.

Garrett 3 year Birthday

2009-03-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it my little boy is 3 years old now! He is quite the ham pretty much at all times. He is questioning mommy's authority more lately and trying things his own way. He wants to do almost everything "all by myself". Most things I let him at least try. :) He is (thankfully) still a snuggler. He sleeps great! He will stay in his bed either asleep or laying there quietly on saturday mornings until Mommy gets up and tells him he can get up. He is going to have an awesome memory, just like his sister. He thinks his sister and Isaac hung the moon. He LOVES The Little Einsteins, especially Rocket. He also loves, trains, batman, and pretending to be a puppy or kitty. He has a great imagination. Oh there's so much more but I don't have all night to go on . . .

Thursday, Emma's PreK-3 teacher (from last year) made Garrett a Happy Birthday hat to wear on Friday. He wore it the rest of the day Thursday and most of the day Friday.

Friday, Garrett got to take cupcakes to his friends at daycare. He loved being the center of attention. Then he got to go spend a couple of hours with Meme and Popo at their trailer. Then got to go with Granny to Tanya's house and play with Roxi. THEN, came home to Tanya's surprise party her friends had thrown her for passing her NCLEX test to be a "real" nurse.

Saturday, he had JOJO! over to his house, as well as a couple of other friends and family for his Little Einsteins party. The cake was Little Einsteins inspired. The rest of the party was all 7 kids running around the house playing with my kids toys. It was super easy and fun! He had a blast opening presents with his friends. Then enjoyed pizza, cake and ice cream. It was a fun weekend! He was super excited having Granny, Big Daddy, Meme, Popo, Tanya, and Sarah there. and of course JOJO! :) His favorite friend (as he says)

It's finally snowing in AR

2009-02-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the 1st day of March, and it's finally snowing here in AR. Well, it snowed good for about 2 hours. Now it's mostly ice. It was nice to see. Pretty and white. We were supposed to go to a high school play with Emma. Garrett was supposed to get some Tanya time. Then the snow began. At the point I had to decide, it was coming down fast. So I called Tanya and said not to come. (Big sister didn't want her driving back later that night in case the snow had kept up) Then told Matt, we'd go with Mrs. Kellie (I was sick anyway) tomorrow instead.

Sounds like a great night to stay in and snuggle. . . Would be a great plan IF yo don't totally burn the grilled cheese and get put on a long hold with Pizza Hut. So i threw the kids in the car and drove through good old Mickey D's. We came home and had a picnic downstairs and watched Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is a dark movie but Matt had been listening to the soundtrack in the car and Emma kept asking questions about it. So, we watched it and I answered 500 questions as best I could. (I smoothed over several of them if it was possible) It was a fun little night for the kids and I. (daddy was out at the church building bonding with some of the men from church)

Our picnic:

Lice continued- week 4

2009-02-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

When we thought the horror of lice was done. . .. we got it again!

Now it's 4 weeks later . . .
we've treated emma hair 7 times in 4 weeks
we've picked at nits until I could stand the crying no more
we've dried out her scalp horribly
we've had a call from the school office every other day saying "she's itching still. no lice. still several nits"

This mommy was out of options. . . . I called Granny (of course) and she said to call Emma's nurse. I called her nurse and this is our conversation . . .
Me: "blah blah blah (explaining the last 4 weeks) Is there anything else I can do? I can't get all these nits and her head is so very dry now"
Nurse: "well, this may sound gross but there's one thing you could try"
Me: "Ok"
Nurse: "Get a jar of Mayo. Rub it all in her hair. Put a shower cap on it. Leave it overnight. Rinse in the morning. Pick through hair with nit comb."
Me; "ummm ok"
Nurse: "I know it sounds gross but it may help smother the nits, make it greasy enough to help pick them out eaiser, and should help her dry scalp."
Me: "I'm ready to do anything."

So yes, we mayo-ed up her hair. And mine. Yes, mine. I didn't want her to feel like an outcast so I did it all with her. It was a hard thing for me to do since I don't like to touch mayo, I don't like the smell of mayo, and I rarely like the taste of mayo. :)

It was a tough night. Our hair smelled. Our shower caps crinkled when we moved. Our shower caps slid around when we rolled over. It was along night for us both.

We finally made it to the morning light. I rinsed out her hair then began picking it through. That took a while. Then I sent her up to the tub to wash her hair more with smell good shampoo! While she was in the tub I rinsed out my hair with shampoo in the sink. After her bath, I took a shower and re-washed my hair. Neither of us has itched all day. Our hair still has a faint smell of a deli shop. Both of our hairs look a tad shiney. But all in all I think it helped. We made it through. Hopefully we NEVER get lice again. I might have a break down if we do anytime in the near future!

Here's a couple of pictures pre-treatment:

Emma was so excited to use Mommy's camera

Have you ever seen two cuter girls?

30th Birthday from Matt

2009-02-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

Matt had pictures taken with the kids. Then he printed them, framed them, and hung them as my surprise! Pretty much the perfect present for me! LOVE IT!

Here's the shots from their session. I have the CD so If you want any of them for yourself, email me and I can print them for you. Hopefully soon we will get back to the park and take more pictures with all 4 of us.

My Famous Child

2009-02-01T19:45:00.001-08:00

My daughter, Emma Rachel, is now famous. She and her best friend Isaac have been featured in an ad for their school in the Little Rock Kids Directory magazine! I love it!

Not the dark side!

2009-02-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sadly Emma has begun to join the dark side. . . The last couple of days when she's woken up she goes straight downstairs and begins playing computer games. She will stay down there playing until I get up and remind her to eat. This day I got a picture of her showing her brother how to play as well. . . . . I cannot win in this house! At least it's only Playhouse Disney though!

Happy Birthday Tanya

2009-02-01T19:35:00.001-08:00

Now that Tanya lives in LR near us, we were able to celebrate her birthday with her! The kids were so excited to make her a cake and have her over. They got even more excited once I said they could decorate the cake all by themselves! Below is the finished product. Doesn't it look tasty?

Decorating the cake

The finished product

The table set for Tan's dinner

After dinner games

We had fun spoiling our Ta-na. Happy Birthday lil' sis!

Parents rite of passage

2009-01-18T12:10:00.001-08:00

I have had the . . . err . . . joy . . . of my kids having Head Lice this past weekend. I remember the joys of horseback riding lessons and softball lessons that brought this joy to my house at a young age. Now that joy has arrived at my house yet again. Emma was scratching her head saturday eve and I joked with Tanya to check her for lice. Tanya did and said "umm Marti" I looked at her and said "NOT funny." We went to the bathroom to look and sure enough there were the little buggies. I saw a couple moving. So off to wal-mart I went to grab all the treatment stuff I could. I got home and by then Tan said she'd seen only one in Garretts head. So being the life saver and awesome sister she is, she stayed with us and treated emma and garrett's hair while I began the huge long process of stripping the house of everything either of them could have laid their heads on. I stripped the beds, bagged up all the pillows, dress up, toy couches, stuffed toys that couldn't be washed. Then began the loooooong process of washing everything in hot water and drying it all. While the laundry was going I went and sprayed down the beds, the carpet, the couches. Then put Cat lice carpet powder on the floors, waited 30 minutes, then vaccumed it up. As all this was going on I went back up to help pick out Garrett's hair. Fr some reason it puled his hair much more than emma's. He was screaming "stop mommy. why you doing that?" I was on the verge of tears. Then when we had the hair done and I was still working on the house, Tan looked at the clock and realized we hadn't fed the kids yet. So I made dinner. After dinner, I went up to start phase two of the hair while Tan cleaned up the dinner mess. (Thanks BTW) Then Tan finished up phase two of the hair picking while I got the downstairs ready for our sleep out. The kids slept on the pull out bed and I slept in the recliner. So far today I have done more laundry than I'd like to remember, re-sprayed the beds and carpets, and have begun reassembling everything that was already washed. Ah the joys of parenthood! . . . . Hopefully the chicken pox will wait a while longer to come to our house! And hopefully it will be nice enough to come on a weekend when Matt's home and not at a retreat! I don't know how much Aunt Tanya can stand! :)

Garrett's new room

2008-12-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well we finally are almost done with Garrett's room. Mom and davy came up and painted the whole room! After that it was basically putting up a fan, blinds, and moving stuff back in (thanks tan!). There's still a few things to do like putting in the closet organizer, and putting up the wall decorations, but mostly it's done. Here's a few shots of his room and refresher shots of emma's room. (also most decorated by granny and big daddy)

Welch Family Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

This was the first year we have had Christmas at our house. We usually have it with family either in Texarkana or in Natick. The kids loved decorating the tree, putting cookies out for Santa, and coming down the stairs to all the presents.

Tanya's graduation

2008-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of shots from Tanya's Graduation from Harding. Way to go Tan!

Pope Christmas and Caroling

2008-12-28T18:29:00.001-08:00

Here's a few shots from our Pope family Christmas in Hot Springs. As well as a couple from caroling with the "Big Kids".

Christmas happenings

2008-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a few shots of Emma's school program and her party. At the end are a couple of the kids decorating the Christmas tree.

Breakfast with Santa

2008-12-07T16:49:00.001-08:00

Saturday was also breakfast with Santa. There was a christmas movie playing, foam ornament decorating, and cookie decorating. As well as the famous photos with Santa. Garrett loved seeing Santa. He kept asking questions like "where his reindeer?" "Where his sled?" . . Emma on the other hand figured out right away who our special guest was. So I had to pull her aside and explain he was given the suit by the 'real' santa so the real santa could keep working on making toys, he had special helpers to do all the picture taking and ask what the boys and girls want. Then the threat IF she told anyone the real santa would know and he'd take the special suit away and she wouldn't get presents from him. She almost slipped up twice to garrett but i caught her. I think the secret is safe for now. And thankfully she still believes in a real santa. I love the innocence.

Emma's 5 yr birthday

2008-12-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

Emma's 5th birthday started with several presents sent the day before and day of. Then she had pink donuts for breakfast while opening present form mommy and daddy. She was surprised with circus tickets! She was pretty excited! Next she went to school and got to wear the birthday hat and bring cupcakes for snack. It ended with the trip to the circus.

THE PARTY

Two days later she had her "popular" (Wizard of OZ/Wicked) party with her good friend Casen. It was a joint party since they had several mutual friends and their birthdays are only 4 days apart. Mrs. Julie did a lot of work getting everything ready and setting up even though she had the stomach bug. She is awesome! The party was fun. Both kids had several friends come. All the kids had fun running around in the gym. We started something this year with emma which i hope to continue. Instead of her friends brining presents for her, they brought an unwrapped toy to help support a ministry by a local church who lets underprivileged parents buy christmas presents for .25 on the dollar. That way they don't feel like they are being given charity presents. They can choose toys their kids would like and they feel pride being able to buy the toys for their family. It took several times of explaining what was going on for emma and casen to understand and accept it but i think the more we do it eventually they will understand how they are helping other children.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

First of all, sorry for the lack of posts for a month! It has been crazy here trying to get everything done for A Youth Specialities trip, thanksgiving, Breakfast with Santa, and Emma's birthday.

Thanksgiving 2008

We went to Texarkana wed night - sunday. The kids loved getting to go to me-me and po-pos and getting to spend time with tanya. They loved seeing Granny and Big Daddy too but had just spent 4 day with them alone at our house. ;)

My kids especially loved getting to play with C and H their cousins!

Soccer Medals

2008-11-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well . . . soccer is finally over! Emma liked it for about 1/2 the season. Then it was a struggle to get her to go. We did make her finish it out though. This saturday they had their medals and picnic. Would have been ok EXCEPT it was like 42 degrees and very windy. We were freezing. I bundled up Emma and Garrett and Rachel bundled up Gracen and we went. We did a quick medal then grabbed a plate of food and headed to Rachel's minivan to eat out of the cold. Not really worth it except she's soooo proud of her medal. Here's the couple of pictures I got of her end of the season. To which she exclaimed. "finally soccer's over!"

A group shot from the saturday before. Also cold but not as bad as this saturday! (with only a few kids absent)

Getting her medal

How cute is she?!

Yummm chips and cupcakes

Teenager party 2008

2008-11-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the teenager Halloween party. They do a photo scavenger hunt then race to our house. The teens have a lot of fun doing the hunt. My kids have a lot of fun having "big kids" at their house. This year there were 69 people in our house! It was very packed! But we love it. Here are the few pictures i took of the evening.

Trunk or treat 2008

2008-11-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

Friday night was our church's Trunk-or-treat . . a safe alternative to going house to house. Several people from the congregation make a big circle with all their cars and open their trunks and pass out candy. The kids love it. We get to see several of our friends all dressed up and they get to have candy. We even went out to eat after wards all dressed up! We have done this since emma was barely walking. Since we usually go out to eat afterwards we usually go home and turn off the light so Emma , and now garrett, can get to bed. I didn't really think too much about it until a conversation emma had with granny friday. Granny was asking her what she was doing that night. Then she said "I'm going to stay home and pass out candy" Emma replied "why?" . . . yes apparently my child didn't know most people go house to house and beg for candy while others stay home and pass out the candy. Oops. So then I had to explain it all too her. :) Oh well.

Daycare trick-or-treating 2008

2008-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Friday we had trick-or-treating at daycare. A lot of work and stress for the teachers but the kids LOVE it. : ) Here are a couple of pictures of the fun my kids had.

Daddy's Work Kiddie Carnival

2008-11-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Thursday the kids and I met Matt at his work for their Kiddie Carnival. The kids LOVED getting to go to daddy's work AND do fun stuff WHILE being dressed up in their Halloween costumes! Here are a few pictures of the fun afternoon.

Pumpkin patch with friends 2008

2008-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured out with Isaac and Cauy to a new pumpkin patch. It had pig races! A hayride, a small pumpkin field, a hay mountain and a small animal area. It was nice to get to go and not have to spend all day there too. :) Here's some pictures of our fun times.

PV Kiddie Carnival 2008

2008-10-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

Tonight we dressed up in our Halloween costumes and went over to PV for their Kiddie Carnival. The kids had fun playing games, jumping in the bounce house (only emma on that one), and playing with their PV friends. Here are a few pictures of the evening.

HU homecoming 2008

2008-10-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Harding's homecoming festivities. We started with the Pied Piper show. In which Daddy got to go help out with a story. Then we went over to the petting zoo and pony rides. Emma found a rabbit she held the whole time. Garrett kept getting cups of grain and dumping them in front of the cow who was trying to sleep. Then we saw Casen and Kinley there too! That was a surprise. Next Tanya joined us for some running around the jumping things. Fin ally Tanya and Kayleigh joined us for lunch at Dixi. All in all it was a good little trip to Searcy. Here's a few pictures of our fun.

a g-g-g-ghost in our house

2008-10-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

I felt crafty the other afternoon and brought home a craft for the kids to do. They loved getting to make and hang ghosts in the house. Here's the finished product . . . . Warning Chad have Mary sit by you so you don't get too scared!

Emma's Ghost

Garrett's ghost

Jack-o-lantern Toast

2008-10-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Our snack today . . . .

Ribbon Race 2008

2008-10-11T12:32:00.001-07:00

This year we did the Ribbon Race in LR. I loaded both kids into the wagon and we headed off to walk the 2K. It was beautiful weather, which helped keep the kids happy. Garrett rode in the wagon the whole time. Emma walked most of it. She asked to get into the wagon a couple of times but couldn't stand not being able to see everything around her so go right back out. The kids loved seeing the NLRHS band. The dog that was taller than emma. The crazy outfits. The fire trucks. (and stripping firemen!) Mommy's friends. Their friends --- Garrett saw Jojo and Emma saw Hayley and Molly (which she referred to as "my friends" instead of "your friends mommy") I only took a couple of shots since I was pulling the wagon, but here they are.