St. Louis Roades

Isaac's turn!

2009-08-17T20:36:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure if Isaac had a good birthday or not, but he sure enjoyed opening his presents this morning. Here's a look back. . . .

And then here is the big 4 year old boy!

Happy Birthday, little man!

Happy Birthday Kalista!

2009-08-13T19:10:00.006-05:00

Six years ago, after several trips back and forth to the hospital our precious little girl came into our lives. Today she not only turned 6. . .

but she started Kindergarten as well! She was so excited, she could barely contain herself. She had a great first day and can't wait to go back!

All packed up and ready to go!

Waiting to go inside!

Sitting at her desk.

Hanging up her backpack.

Kalista and Mrs. Cutkump

June Happenings

2009-07-05T19:43:00.005-05:00

Okay Connie, you asked for it!!

We have been very busy since school has been out, so busy in fact I haven't updated in a month and a half or so. Here's what been up with the Roades'. . . .

We visited the new sting ray exhibit at the zoo.

The next week, Isaac and Kalista both got to participate in the zoo run for the time (a dream of Kalista's for at least the last two years!)

Later that morning we took Kalista to camp for her first year as a camper (another dream come true for her!)

By the end of that week we were in FL at Disney World for two days. . . .

Then on to a week at Gramme's where the first morning the kids were surprised with new Superhero costumes (Isaac wore his pretty much every day)

We've now been home a few weeks, but haven't slowed down yet! Both kids participated in the His Singers float in the Bridgeton 4th of July parade that had a theme of American heroes - Isaac the policeman and Kalista the librarian.

Pomp and Circumstance

2009-05-22T08:43:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Kalista's pre-school graduation. She took her role as graduate very seriously! In fact it was hard to get her to smile at all! Here's some pics from the night!

Isaac's New Bike

2009-05-11T20:35:00.007-05:00

After seeing that Isaac could peddle his sister's bike, we decided it was time to get Isaac one of his own. . . He is so excited and proud of himself!

Strawberry Shortcake

2009-05-02T07:42:00.003-05:00

Well, we have discovered that Kalista is allergic to strawberries. Many people have asked me why we are just now discovering that my 5 yr. old has a food allergy. The answer is simple. Right around the 11 month mark, Kalista started rejecting food. We suspect many reasons for this: getting four teeth at once, learning she could say no and I couldn't force her, being first time parents and not pressing the issue because we just wanted our tiny daughter to get some calories, etc. . .

So this past year our (or rather Kalista's) eating issues came to a head and we took her to an occupational therapist (see hear for a recap of what we had tried on our own!) We go to Ms. Diana once a month and she and Kalista work on different strategies for trying new foods, we leave with a homework assignment, and do our best to work on at least one new food a week. Kalista has improved so much! If you read my earlier post about this you would know that she never ate bread. Now she eats peanut butter sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches. Her only fruit and vegetable was bananas and apples sauce. Now she regularly eats salad (no dressing), apples, corn, and oranges. Her only meat used to be chicken nuggets and now she eats fish sticks, grilled chicken, and steak fingers.

She has tried many other things too: green beans, ham, mashed potatoes, grapes, and a bunch of condiments (ranch dressing, ketchup, mayo, bbq sauce). We are optimistic that these things will get easier over time as well. This week at Ms. Diana's they made a fruit salad with apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, and strawberries. Kalista ate two fairly big pieces of strawberry with pretty little fight. The problems arose later that night at bathtime when Erin noticed she was broken out all across her back and neck. We didn't think too much about it since she said she stated itching at preschool and I thought maybe she had some mosquito bites that she scratched too much. By the morning her rash had spread to her face and was starting down her arms, so I began to suspect that the cause was not bug bites, but something else. We got into the dr. as soon as we could and our suspicion were confirmed -- Kalista is allergic to strawberries! She did get to go back to preschool where they called her Strawberry Shortcake for the rest of the day!

It is now Saturday morning and I can report that her hives are slowly going away. The dr. prescribed allegra twice a day, and one of her preschool teachers suggested oatmeal baths to help with the itching. We are doing both along with some itch cream and it seems to be working. I guess it was a good thing she thought the strawberries were gross!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T19:12:00.006-05:00

We started the day off right, with an Easter Egg hunt in the back yard. The Easter Bunny left some really great prizes in the kids eggs (we don't do candy, since they get a lot at the hunt at church!) After getting cleaned and dressed we headed to church for breakfast and the kids' big performance with His Singer (the little kids music group at church). It was to be Isaac's church debut! Both kids did really well. Isaac even sang most of his songs and didn't start acting crazy until the very end. After the service, we headed outside for the annual free for all, I mean Easter Egg Hunt. The kids all got a bucketful of candy and then we headed home for lunch with the family. The cousins all had fun playing together. All in all the day was great, even though it was a bit chilly!

Spring Break trip

2009-03-24T20:51:00.007-05:00

Last week was Spring Break. We spent the first part of it in Branson with some good friends. Erin unfortunately got sick and spent most of the weekendin bed, but the kids all had a blast playing at the playground putt-putting, and just hanging out with their best buds. . .

4th Picture Tag

2009-02-21T12:53:00.003-06:00

The Rules:
1. Go to where you store your digital photos and open the 4th folder.
2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people.

This is a picture of me crossing the finish line at last year's zoo run. Pretty exciting, isn't it!

I tag Connie, Danna, Jeanne, and Nancy.

Mix-up Times

2009-02-05T20:46:00.002-06:00

Both of our kids have their confusion of different things. For Kalista it is her mixed-up metaphors. . My two favorite are . . .

"Mom, can you borrow me a favor?"

"You are cracking me nuts!"

With Isaac it is a different story entirely. He is totally confused about time. He is constantly saying things like . . .

"Remember, yesterday when I was big? I was watching TV 'cause I was a grown-up."

"I'm 5 and on Saturday I'm going to be six. Then next time I will be a grown-up." (His birthday is in August, by the way!"

So silly. . . .

One busy month

2009-02-01T18:03:00.004-06:00

So I realize it has been a month since I blog. . . . I have no excuse exceptthat we have been very busy getting back to school, getting new tires and brakes on Erin's car, being rear-ended in the van, taking the van for its first estimate, having Erin's car break down in the parking lot of the body shop(new fuel pump), calling my friend to pick up me and the kids while Erin waited for a tow, being told the van was drivable and the body shop couldn't begin repairs until the middle of February, taking the van to another body shop, having body shop two declare the van undrivable, finally getting a rental and Erin's car fixed, all the while visiting the chiropractor 3 times a week, Erin's swim meets, and I could go on and on. . . But so could many of you I am sure so I'll leave you with a few pics of the smashed up van and of the kids in the snow this past week on the second of our two snow days. . .

Greetings from FL

2008-12-31T13:45:00.008-06:00

This week we have been in FL visiting Erin's mom. While we have been soaking in the sun, we have also been busy playing wii, swimming, going to the movies, and spending a day at Disney. We plan on having a quiet New Years' celebration tonight and will start home on the 2nd. Here's hoping everyone has a happy, safe, New Year's Eve!

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. . .

Isaac loves playing with Gramme. Here they are in her room playing Batman and watching Scooby Doo meets Batman on her TV.

Gramme's First Mario Kart Derby!

Christmas Card

2008-12-21T13:14:00.002-06:00

Many of you will get your cards late this year, as I just took the picture and had them printed yesterday. Here's how it turned out. . .

I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a wonderful new year!

All they want for Christmas is . . .

2008-12-08T18:28:00.002-06:00

My kids wrote their letters to Santa yesterday (or Erin typed their letters as they dictated them) Here's what they said . . . .

Sis said this. . .

Dear Santa,

I have been very good. I would like this music box with my name on the front for putting my jewelry inside please. Thank you.

Love,
Kalista (We then cut/pasted a pic of an Ariel music box we found)

Here's what the little man had to say. . .

Dear Santa,

I have been a nice, big boy. Can I have a pirate ship and a cheeseburger please. Thank you.

Isaac

Pirate ship -- check! CHEESEBURGER?!?!?!?! What a crack-up!

Thanks Gramme!

2008-11-20T17:00:00.003-06:00

One of the ways we are helping Kalista with her food issues is by getting her to help more in the kitchen. We have told her that she is now the Head Chef for all meals. Now that doesn't mean she gets to pick what we are making, nor does she have to eat what she is preparing, but it is a way of making food more fun for her. So far things are going well. Over the past week she had made about 8 grilled cheese sandwiches for her brother, and then yesterday at school she ate one! Horray!

And now thanks to Gramme (Erin's mom) both her and Sous Chef Isaac can look the part. . .

Kid speak and other happenings

2008-11-17T18:29:00.002-06:00

I'll start off with what Kalista said right before dinner tonight. . .

Isaac and Kalista were playing around waiting for dinner to be ready when the little man starting talking about what he was going to have for snack. He told Erin, then he told me, and finally he went up to Kalista and said "Hey, Sissy I am going to have ice cream for snack!" And Kalista's big sister response . . . "Isaac! I know, I know I know!!!! It's not like I don't have ears!" Such love!!!

My other news revolves around Kalista as well. The last several weeks have been very stressful, especially around meal time. If you have read any of my post pertaining to Kalista's eating problems you would understand. It all came to a head early last week when we made a visit to the dr. and got a referral to an occupational therapist. Tuesday afternoon Erin and I took off a 1/2 to go with Kalista to her new "eating" dr. for an evaluation of her sensory and eating issues. Kalista was asked lots of questions and observed eating food she liked and foods she had trouble with. We are still waiting the official results of her eval, but the OT was fairly certain she needs some help of her auditory, visual, and tactile senses. Kalista is also what is called a "resistant" eater. This is different than a picky eater in several ways. Three big things being that one) she won't eventually eat when she gets hungry enough (some resistant eaters have starved themselves into hospitalization) and two) she doesn't have a normal sensation of hunger, so she may not know when she needs to eat, and 3) when she seems to get distracted at meal times, it is more than likely she is just overstimulated, and not just trying to stall the eating process. Her brain just has trouble processing all the smells, sights, sounds, and textures that go along with a big meal.

So that is a big paragraph of what is going on!! Our next step is to see the OT once a month for therapy and keep up the new food campaign at home. This week we are working on carrots, and so far she had swallowed several bites. . . Please keep Kalista and us in your prayers and we work through this.

Happy Halloween from Neverland!

2008-11-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

Baby Soccer Pics

2008-10-30T19:35:00.004-05:00

Baby soccer ended this week and I'd like to think the "season" was a success. It was the first time either of our kids had played, so everything was brand new. Isaac just learned some basic rules, while Kalista got to play some almost "real" games. Here are some pics from the season. . .

Isaac practicing his "hold position" while balancing.

Isaac and his teammate kicking the ball back and forth, practicing not using hands!

Kicking a goal

Kalista in the hold position

Kalista's favorite position was playing goalie

Kalista chasing after a ball.

J and L Farms

2008-10-12T20:44:00.004-05:00

Saturday was the annual Applefest in Clarksville. Most years, this one included, we just went into town for the parade, then back to the farm for some pumpkin photo opps. . .

preview

2008-10-05T18:42:00.004-05:00

Many of you have seen our themed Halloweens in the past (see here and here) Not to give too much away (many of you already know our theme anyway), but some good friends found Isaac's costume today and he just had to try it on right away. . . So of course Kalista did too. Here's a sneak peak. . .

Kalista's forward strides -- updated

2008-10-02T22:30:00.003-05:00

Many of you have read, or just know about my oldest and her struggles with food. Since the time she was one she has not been a good eater, picky to the extreme, and just horrible to please.

Knowing that she couldn't bring her lunch to her new pre-school, this summer we started preparing her to try new things (or go hungry). She mostly went hungry. Since school has started she has actually done pretty well. (I don't think her teachers would agree, but they havn't been around for the last five years to see the progress I've seen in the last few months!) She has now tried many new things at school like ding dongs, rice krispie treats, muffins, and even the crust off of a grilled cheese sandwich. (Again, most of you are thinking big deal most of that is junk food, but you gotta understand she won't even eat bread!)

At home we have slowly been getting rid of "Kalista foods". When we ran out of something it wasn't replace. Over this past weekend, it happened. No more dinosaur chicken! Oh the horror! Monday night was the big event. I made talked about our menu for the week and I let her pick what she wanted to start with. Grilled chicken was chosen, and she seemed ready to try. But when it came down to it, she just couldn't. So I put it in the fridge and warmed it up for breakfast. . . And dinner. . . and after threatening to take her to the hospital for shots (I tend to be a bit melodramtic) she ate her required two bites, only gagging once. She admitted that it tasted just like her old chicken and that next time she wouldn't raise such a fuss (Yeah right!) I then bribed her with Oreos to take two more bites. YEAH!

Tonight was trial two with roast, potatoes, carrots, and rolls. Long story short, she ate half a roll. (Again I would like to point out that she does not eat bread. . . of any kind) Tomorrow I let her choose her new food of either fish sticks at school or mini hamburgers at home. We'll see!

So they may be baby steps, but they are steps for her. And if you think about it, say a little prayer for 'Sis to have courage and eat better. That's what she is praying every night and I would say that God is showing Himself to her! (During prayers tonight she asked God to give her courage to try the fish sticks so she doesn't have to eat a hamburger!)

UPDATE -- Kalista had a note in her cubby today that said she ate her fish sticks. YEAH! She also told me and Erin that she liked them. Trying three new things in one week is more than she has done in two years!

Budding Artist and Potty News

2008-09-18T12:16:00.003-05:00

Kalista has always loved to draw. Last week I posted about what she wanted to be when she grew up, but maybe artist should be on the list. . .

This was a drawing of Ariel (of course!) that she drew at preschool this week. For a 5 year old, I don't think it is so bad!

Other news from the potty front. . . Isaac had his first successful BM on the toliet yesterday! WOO-HOO! And now I don't have to worry about the fact that he hadn't pooped in 4 days!

dressing up

2008-09-14T21:00:00.004-05:00

Not too much new has been going on. We have all pretty much settled into a routine, so I thought I'd just post a few pics of the little man playing dress-up. He is obsessed with Super Hereos and pirates right now. Enjoy!

ARRRRGGGGHHHH!

Check out my cool cape!

Isn't this how you climb the walls?

Potty training update . . . Preschool is moving him up to the big kid class tomorrow. Personally I think it might be a bit premature since he still has not pooped on a toliet. He's got the peeing thing down though! YEAH! I'll keep you all posted. (I know you are all waiting on pins and needles!)

Kalista's Aspirations

2008-09-06T08:07:00.003-05:00

Yesterday while driving, Kalista remarked. . . .

"Mom, I have a few new ideas about what I want to be when I grow up."

"Really," I said "What are those?"

"I would like to be a bus driver. Or maybe a gas station worker. Or maybe a resturant worker. Then I could be a hunter. Or a tree-trimmer. And finally I want to be a Down in the City Worker!" (Silver Dollar City, for those not in the know!)

Quite an interesting list, isn't it. Just to give you the full picture, in previous conversations she has wanted to be a zookeeper, astronaunt, teacher, and firefighter. She is going to be one busy girl!

Bye-bye diapers

2008-08-29T17:30:00.002-05:00

When we picked Isaac up from pre-school on Wednesday, his teacher asked if we would start bringing him in underewear instead of a pull-up. "Really?" I asked. See they have been telling me for weeks that he had been dry all day, but at home he still wets his pull-up constantly. Granted I am not as patient with him as his teachers, nor do I remember to make him go every hour or so. So Thursday we gave it a try. We packed his backpack with several pairs of underwear and several changes of clothes. When we picked him up we were told that he had a few accidents, but please continue to send him in underwear. "Okay!" I exclaimed! Today was day two and he did fight me a little this morning. He wanted to wear a pull-up, but relented when I got out his Diego underwear. And wonder of wonders, he was dry all day! After being home for a few hours I made him go, but nothing happened, and about 10 minutes ago, he had an accident. Oh well! We'll keep trying I guess!

Not much to say. . .

2008-08-24T21:33:00.002-05:00

Life has settled down into a nice little routine over the last few weeks. The kids are still settling in to their new pre-school (Isaac is still asking when he gets to go to his "REAL" preschool instead of his "PRETEND" preschool. Kalista is working on getting used to the new foods, though I am happy to report she has now tried ding dongs, rice krispie treats, and has eated two bites of the crust off a grilled cheese sandwhich. (For those that know this is huge -- she eats no bread whatsoever.) School for Erin and me is going well. It is a busy year, but it makes the time go faster till we get to pick up our babies from pre-school. Erin started this semester's grad school class last week, and I am still spinning at the Y. Life is back to our "new" normal.

So I'll leave you with a few Isaac stories . . .

Yesterday he was a bit crabby and wanting dinner. He decided he wanted a cheese sandwich, grapes, and broccoli. Unfortunately I was tired and crabby and didn't want to get the frozen broccoli out and make it just for him. And yes, my 3 year old had a complete fit because I wouldn't make him broccoli. That's just wrong!

Then tonight as we were saying our prayer here's what Isaac had to say, "Dear God, Thank you for today. Please help my sissy to be a big girl and not cry, like the song says Big Girls Don't Cry. And help my daddy to play Halloween with me. In Jesus' name, Amen" My thoughts exactly, son.

Birthdays and Bowling

2008-08-17T18:48:00.003-05:00

Most of the Roades' birthday week is finished. Here are some of the highlights. . .

On Wednesday Kalista turned 5! What a big girl she is now! It is hard to believe. At least with a birthday after the kindergarden cut-off date, I have another year of her before I send her off to the big, bad world! She had a pretty good day at preschool on Wednesday and got to share a snack or oreos with all her new friends. Opening presents was a blast and she got several great things that she hasn't been able to put down since! We had her favorite pizza for dinner and then got Fritz's ice cream for dessert after church. It was a good day.

Today Isaac turned 3 (although he keeps insisiting he still wants to be 2) It was another good day, this one filled with lots of family and friends. We had a together birthday party at a bowling alley after church. What a BLAST! It was a bit of a zoo with ten 3, 4, and 5 year olds running around, but I think everyone had fun. Isaac is loving his new bat man and pirate toys, so life is good for him!

Now it is time to get ready for the next week. We had the library grand opening on Thursday, so I'll post pictures later this week.

Check me out on the news

2008-08-12T12:59:00.003-05:00

So if you've been following along I have been a part of moving my school's library to a new location for the past few weeks. This has been a huge job. This past weekend we worked 12 and 13 hour days on several ocasions. Well, on Saturday a news channel stopped by to interview the new principal on Central's new security measures. Here's what the report says. . . (Just check on the watch news 4 coverage link.)

First days of preschool

2008-08-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

I debated what post to put on here first and figured that some of you (read Angie) would be upset if I didn't talk about the kids first few days of day care/preschool. So here it is. (Disclaimer -- no pics yet. I did take one the first day, but I haven't put it on my computer yet)

Bright and early Monday morning (6:30) Erin and I woke up two very sleepy kids. Having gone to the Cardinal game the night before and not having a nap in the afternoon, they were still beat. We got everyone dressed and out the door on time. Yeah!

We walked into the school and found out (as suspected) Isaac would still be in the toddler class, until he is potty trained. He was allowed to stay with Kalista for a bit while everyone was arriving though. This I think was good news to him, since at this point he was looking at me as if to say "What is this place, and you aren't really aren't leaving me here are you?"

Erin and I got out the door before I started crying, but I was a least strong in front of the kids. We had been told we could call during the day and check on them, but neither of us had time. After school we arrived back at the center and Kalista ran right up to us, excited to tell all about her day. We found Isaac's room and got a report from his teacher. Both kids had slept during nap time (Kalista has not fallen asleep since, but still rests), Isaac pottied many times on the potty, and also ate well.

Now the info many of you are waiting for. . . How did Kalista do at lunch. . . As we were walking to the car I asked her what she had for lunch that day. She grabbed my hand, very excited, and said "MOM! Guess what! They let me throw my food away!" She was so happy and excited! I think I have discovered why she was so worried about going to school last week. I think she thought that she would be stuck at a lunch table not able to leave until she ate, or that she would be forced eat a "yucky" food. Once those fears were relieved, preschool became a great place again! So the next question you are all asking. . . What did she eat? On Monday she had applesauce and a few crackers. . . Tuesday she told me (again very excited) that they had had Doritoes for lunch!(and hot dogs, that of course she wouldn't eat), but she did have a banana at snack time. Today applesauce was offered again. So she is not starving, but really hungry when she comes home! She has decided that she has to get used to the smells of the new foods before she can eat them. I asked her how long that would take and she claims she needs to smell it four times. . . I'm not sure what this is all about, but we'll see!

Stay tuned for more stories from our week (My new library is still not ready to be moved into, so the rest of this week will be interesting!).

I'm really, really tired. . .

2008-08-04T16:28:00.003-05:00

So last night I left Minneapolis at 8:00 to drive home for work this morning at 7:30. Thankfully I went to Showcase with 3 other really great ladies who let me sleep about 4 hours on the trip home and didn't ask me to drive at all. I arrived home around 5:00am and in time for one more hour of sleep before my new school year officially began.

I will update later on my trip, the kids first day of day care, and Erin's and my first day of school after I have gotten some sleep. . . Till then!

Back to Work

2008-07-26T12:12:00.002-05:00

This past week I got a small taste of what the new school year will be like for me. I was up at 7:00 every morning, spent 7 hours in professional development training, back home to spend time with the family, and in bed asleep before Jay finished his monolog. I say a small taste because when school actually starts back on the 11th of Aug, I'll be getting up at 5:30am and I'm guessing I won't even be awake at night to see any part of the 10pm news!

This will be a huge transition for the whole family as my kids are late sleepers too. In fact, this morning I had to get them up at 6:30 (this will be what time we LEAVE during the school year) so we could help a friend move and all Isaac kept saying to me was that he wanted to go back to sleep! It was pitiful! Maybe he'll start napping again though!

This coming week will be the last official one of summer though, since teacher meetings start on the 4th. Of course I have training on Tuesday, a meeting on Wednesday, and I leave for MN on Friday. . . Life is never dull around here. That's for sure!

Kiddie Konversations

2008-07-17T09:03:00.002-05:00

Monday, when getting ready to go to my sister's community pool, Isaac was running around her house like a mad man. He had his swim trunks on, and was waiting for the rest of us to be ready. Suddenly he stopped and declared. . .

"I need my scum-scream! I can't go swimmin' without my scum-scream!"

I guess we've taught him well. . .

Kid Stories -- Part 2

2008-07-11T08:53:00.002-05:00

Isaac being only two is still just trying to figure out his world. This makes many of his observations hilarious and it makes him very easy to trick. Here are some of his latests. . .

Story One

Isaac LOVES the moon. If we are ever driving at night he has to find it and watch it. He has a "Moon in my room" nightlight in his room that we have to turn on every night. He loves the moon. When we left Target the other night, it was pretty late and the moon was already up. However, we must have just had a new moon, because on this particular night the moon was just a tiny sliver. He had this to say.

I -- "Mom, where's the moon?"

A -- I pointed it out to him

I -- "Oh no, the moon is broked! I think it's not a circle anymore!"

I tried to explain, to no avail, that it wasn't broke. When we got home I did show him that his room moon could look the same (it goes though all the phases).

Story Two
This story involves the latest in trying to kiss Isaac. Click here for a refresher. He still doesn't like them, but I still can't help but kiss him all the time, he's just so darn cute! So the other day I kissed the top of his head and told him "Ha! I stole a kiss!" Instead of sceaming like he usually does, he got rather indignant, grabbed my face between his two hands, kissed me on my lips and said, "There I stole it back!" I'm sure it will just be a matter of time before he realizes that I am getting double the kisses this way, but as long as he still falls for it, I'll take what I can get!

Kid stories -- Part One

2008-07-08T10:35:00.004-05:00

After reading so many cute kid stories on some of my favorite blogs, I have been trying to write down some of the cuter things my kids have said or done so I could share it with you. Here are some of Kalista's latest instances. . .

Story One
(A little explantaion first -- Kalista has always been our "deep" thinker coming up with comments pertaining to events that happened day or weeks before. This conversation occured while watching the Cardinal game at Busch Staduim last Saturday)

K -- "Mom, remember that mommy-taking show?" (The 60's show in Branson where I was "taken" up on stage.)

"Well, they only take the really pretty mommies, so I think the next time we go there, you should only look kind of pretty."

A -- "Oh, okay. How do I usually look?"

K -- "Really pretty, so next time just be kind of pretty and they won't take you."

Story Two
Same day after the ballgame we were at Target buying some new organization tools (I am always reorganizing something -- it drives Erin crazy, but he humors me!)

We happened to be in the little kid bedroom aisle looking for one of those fabric covered cubes for Isaac. Kalista had of course found all the Ariel bedroom stuff and was oohing and ahhing. As we were turing to leave the aisle this is what happened. . .

A -- "Okay, we're done with this aisle. Let's move on"
K -- "Yeah, you guys start walking and look that way."

So Erin, Isaac, and I turn the corner to leave the aisle. Erin turned to make sure Kalista was following and saw her running to catch up clutching a set of Ariel sheets. She immediately starts gigging hysterically.

K -- "I got you! I tricked you!"

Branson Vacation

2008-07-01T15:15:00.005-05:00

We all had a great time in Branson last week. Each day was packed with just the right amount of activities and rest. Here's a breakdown of the week. . .

Saturday -- We arrived and threw our stuff in our condo and took off for The Dixie Stampede. The kids really enjoyed the "horsie show", but not the food (no surprise there) Then we headed back to the resort for unpacking and sleep.

Sunday -- Made a quick run to the grocery store for donuts and staples, then went swimming (as least the kids did, it was cloudy and a bit chilly). Mom and dad arrived in time to go to dinner and walk around Branson Landing. Then back to resort for more rest.

Monday -- Breakfast at Silver Dollar City where the table we sat at didn't fully cooperate. . . Rode all the kiddie rides (Isaac was on his best behavior and didn't get kick-off once). We then all decided it would be warm enough to ride the taboggen ride, thinking it was kind of like the log flume, just a splash at the end. We thought wrong. It was instead like getting thrown in the deep end of the pool. Since we were already drenched we then rode the Lost River, getting even more wet. The rest of the day there was spent seeing the new Veggie Tales show and drying out. One small note. . . While having riden all the rides previously this spring and having no problems, Isaac declared many of them too scary for him and refused to go on them. We forced him on the Swinging Ship (notice me covering his eyes in the pic), and both water rides. Weird.

We left SDC about 3 and went back to the condo for a brief rest. We then went out for dinner and a round of putt-putt. Erin won, of course, beating my dad by just a stroke. The kids a blast also. Kalista actually got 2 hole-in-one, while Isaac would put the ball an inch from the hole, putt it in, and then declare "hole in one!" at the top of this lungs.

Tuesday -- Slept in late, swam with maw-maw and paw-paw at the condo pool, then got cleaned up for the show "#1 Hits of the Sixites". It was your typical Branson music show with one major exception, this one featured the d'ebut of yours truly. Yes, I was pulled up on stage to perform all the major dances of the 60's. I, of course, was fabulous. . . My son, however, thought some guy was stealing his mommy away and cried hysterically until I returned to my seat where he climbed into my lap and wouldn't leave until the show was over.

After the show we went to dinner and then Celebration City for more fun and games. . . .

Wednesday -- This day was spent at White Water were we all had a blast going down the various water slides and splashing in the pools. Afterwards we had a late lunch, a little bit of shopping, and then a long nap (for everyone!)

That evening my parents had given Erin and I the night off, so we went to The Track and rode go-carts and played laser tag.

Thurday -- Shopping Day at the outlet malls. What else can I say about that. . .

Friday -- Mom and Dad leave early in the morning. We went back to White Water for a few hours and then to the movies to see Wall-E. The kids both loved it (even though Isaac fell asleep half way through)

Saturday -- We were going to go back to SDC, but rain changed our plans, so we just headed home to unpack and do laundry!

All in all it was a great trip. Now we just have to settle back down for our last few weeks of summer before school starts back up again. . . .

A "New" Week

2008-06-18T15:57:00.005-05:00

This week brought about many new things to our family. . .

On Monday Kalista and Isaac got a new swing set. . . They are in heaven and loving every minute of their new "playground" as they call it.

New Swings -- Kalista "pushing" herself

The New Slide

Isaac's Man Cave

Also on Monday was Kalista's tee-ball practice. Boy are these exciting! :) Over the last three weeks she as aquired several new baseball related mannerisms. . .

A New "Hat"

A New Stance

Emma K. (a good friend of Kalista's from church)

Then today I got my new. . .

Pre Camp

2008-06-12T09:51:00.002-05:00

I have returned from my adventures as a pre-camp bible school teacher. Sunday started out really hot, but the weather cooled off considerably for Monday and Tuesday. It was a nice break from my own family, but I also missed them terribly! Some of my favorite things from the three days were. . .

Seeing my kids play in the creek on Sunday when they dropped me off. (Kalista fell in and Isaac sat down in the water getting him "grounded" from further play in the creek!)
teaching the kids of many of my friends from Neotez days gone by
listening to all the funny things the campers would say (One told the nurse he had termites in his pants. Upon inspection his pants did contain a lot of wood chips, and he said "well, it felt like termites!" Cause he would know what that felt like!)
watching Jesus work in the hearts of all the young campers.

It is sad that I have to wait a whole year til my next camp week. It always go by so fast. . .

Y Week

2008-06-07T09:19:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I think I need to be hit upside the head. This week was one of those times. The summer I session at the YMCA started on Monday. Kalista couldn't wait for her first t-ball lesson. (It was hilarious, I'll try to get pictures soon.) I, on the other hand, couldn't wait to start some new exercise classes. Last session I took a spinning class and convinced Erin to join a new one with me for this session. I am also going to keep spinning at my regular time, but add another class. I didn't really sit down and map out how this week would go, until about half way through when I could no longer walk, but here is the break-down. . .

Sunday -- ran a 5K
Monday -- day off from exercising for recovery, just a little sore
Tuesday -- Kareoke cyclying class with Erin, a hard 55 minute ride to the sounds of the 80s
Wednesday -- Guts and Butts workout class, lots of squats and crunches. It was a hard class and I only managed about 60% of the crunches, but it was my first one
Thursday -- I was going to go to Curves this day, but I woke up not really being able to move. Plus I had one more spinning class before the end of the week to get through so . . . Day off!
Friday -- Spinning class two. I did better with this one that I thought I would, still really sore, but I made it through the 55 min. ride without having to stop.

Now I get to rest for a few days. . . Oh wait, I go to camp tomorrow, guess not!

One Busy Day!

2008-06-03T09:58:00.005-05:00

So Sunday was the big day. I am sure my blog readers (all five of you) have been waiting on pins and needles to hear about my big 5K race, the annual STL Zoo run, that I mentioned back in January. Well it was this Sunday. And the best I can say is that it is over! Actually it wasn't too bad. My time was (a little less than 15 minutes a mile), but considering I really haven't been training like I wanted to for the past 6-8 weeks or so, I was proud that I at least finished it. Both Erin and my dad also ran (considerably faster than me), plus Angie and her kids were there to cheer us all on.

Ready to race!

Erin came in first with a time somewhere around 22 minutes. Angie (our photographer) couldn't get to the finish line in time!

Dad was next to cross the line.

The Cheering section got a little bore waiting for me to finish, but when I finally reappeared they all cheered and ran with me for the last little bit yelling GO MOM, GO MOM, GO Aunt Lissa! That is until Lexi. . .

. . . bit the big one by running off the sidewalk. At least we know why her parents didn't name her Grace!

Like I said, my finish was not fast, but I did finish!

After the race was finished we all went into the zoo to celebrate Lexi and Andy's birthdays (the Bourland came after the race) that are just a few days a part. Once the festivities were over, we headed home for quick naps because we had big surprise for our kids that night. Tickets for Go Diego Go Live! Wow! What a show! While it wasn't Broadway, it was really great seeing the kids faces as they watched their favorite characters come to life. We went with some friends from church, so that's why where are three little jaguars!

Really nice surprise

2008-06-03T09:52:00.002-05:00

So on Friday, Erin had made plans to go out with his college running buddy, so I was gearing up for a night alone with the kids. I had a quick visit with my chiropractor and when I got home Kalista helped me wake up Isaac from his nap. She then starts telling him how he needed to get up so they could go to Uncle Pat's for the evening to spend the night. WHAT? Little did I know that my sweet husband had not made plans with his friend, but instead had gotten us a sitter for the whole night! So seeing my husband put on a suit and tie, I frantically got ready myself while making sure the kids had everything they needed for an overnight.

It was a really nice night. We went to a nice Italian resaurant I had been wanting to try and even got to eat al fresco (one of my favorite things to do). Then we went and saw the new Indiana Jones movie. Thanks Erin for a great surprise. I love you!

Branson trip

2008-06-03T09:49:00.002-05:00

So I have a lot to catch up on so if you would like to see pics of our second Branson trip click HERE.

Summer Break Here we come!

2008-05-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

YEAH! No more school! (at least for 9 weeks or so!) The kids and I offically started our summer vacation by going to the mall and everyone getting a new treat. Isaac got some new underwear as we will be starting hard-core potty training in the next week or so. Kalista got a new #5 Pujols shirt (her favorite player) since she outgrew her old one and has passed it down to Isaac. And I got the best treat of all. . . a hard wired adapter to play my Ipod in my car. It is so nice to be able to just plug in my Ipod and go instead of fiddling with changing discs all the time.

So what else is on the summer plans list? Another quick trip to Branson with Angie and the girls, Pre-Camp (just me), a week long trip to Branson with my parents (and Erin this time too!), lots of trips to the YMCA for cycling, tee-ball, swimming, etc., and lots of laying around time getting recharged to start my librarian job in the fall.

I hope everyone's school year ends well, and summer starts great!

The way it always happens. . .

2008-05-16T08:49:00.002-05:00

Why is it that all week long, when the kids and I have to get up for preschool I have to wake them up kicking and screaming to leave on time, but on Fridays when we can sleep in one, if not both, of them are up before our regular get up time? So frustrating!

Update on Isaac. . . Today is his last day of steroids, but we'll see about his breathing treatments. He is still a bit wheezy, going to the farm today for the weekend, and that often seems to set off his allergies. Two nights ago he slept through the night and Erin and I got some sleep too, however last night he was up two or three times. The last time Erin got up with him and quite a conversation about how monsters were stomping outside his window. He wasn't scared of them, mind you. I think he just wanted them to be quiet so he could get back to sleep!

This weekend is the last track meet Erin and I have to time. Hence, the kids going to the farm for the night. It also means we get a date night, so we are going out to dinner with some friends and then back to our house for games.

Probably the brightest thing on the horizon is the fact that we only have four more days of preschool for the year! HIP HIP HORRAY!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

attempt at video and update

2008-05-12T16:56:00.005-05:00

I know it has been a while, but things have been crazy around here.
In the past two weeks, I have . . .

Run into a deer in the fast lane on the highway (actually, the deer ran into me. No one was hurt, minimal damage to our car.)
prepared for and then timed a two day track meet with Erin (just think LOTS of data entry)
Had a fairly successful garage sale with a friend of mine
helped coordinate and run sound for our preschool's spring program
host several scrapbooking events
been up most of the past two nights with Isaac
taken Isaac to the Dr.
started playing with putting video clips on my blog

As you can see busy, busy with little time to blog. Hopefully Isaac will be turing the corner soon and we can all get some sleep. Of course this won't be til after we finish this round of steroids and breathing treatments. . .

Now for the video clip. It's from the kids' spring program where the theme was Colors of God's World. Everyone worked really hard and the kids learned quite a bit of American Sign Language for several of the songs. Of course Isaac wasn't very into performing by the end of day two when this song takes place, but Kalista did all her signs great. Hope you enjoy the song!

Branson Weekend

2008-04-21T15:23:00.004-05:00

What a huge success we had in Branson this weekend! The weather was amazing, the crowds were light, and the kids were great. Angie and I have decided we will definitely venture forth on such an excursion again! Here are some pics from the weekend . . .

There was lots of jostling for hand-holding positions all weekend. Who held whose hand was always really important to each kid for some reason. . .

The small roller coaster was a huge hit with everyone but Gracie, so she stayed with me and rode the flying elephants while the others went for a second go. The big girls loved getting to ride by themselves in the front. They felt so big. Of course, little legs Isaac had to ride with Aunt Angie.

The train is always on of their favorites. Check out Isaac and Gracie's expressions. They are such good buddies! Below they are sharing a ride on some flying bees at Celebration City.

If you want to see and hear more, I'm sure Angie will have her take on the trip up sometime soon!

Whole lotta shakin' going on . . .

2008-04-18T08:32:00.002-05:00

A post two days in a row from me! Crazy I know, but this news was just too big. This morning (the news says at 4:37) Erin and I were woken up by the whole house shaking. Of course at first we were both confused, but then realized that we were experiencing an earthquake. It was crazy! Our bed felt like one of those old vibrating beds in hotel going nuts! The whole thing lasted about 10 seconds.

Of course growing up in St. Louis we have always heard about the New Madrid fault that we live on and how we were over due for a bid one. Does the 5.2 quake this morning count? Or is this just beginning of more to come?

Just a side note. . . I found it very interesting that my husband even woke up. He is notoriously hard to wake up, but it took no time at all. I guess that shows you how strong we felt the quake!

7 random things

2008-04-17T09:31:00.003-05:00

I've been tagged 2 times, so here's my list. . .

1. Our family just joined the YMCA last weekend and my first spinning class is tomorrow

2. My sister and I are taking the four kids to Down in the City (Kalista's name for Siver Dollar City) this weekend by ourselves and I'm a bit nervous, but really excited!

3. I twirled a flag all through high school and college, and then coached for four years when I taught. That means I attended 12 years of footballs games (a sport I really don't like)

4. I am currently working as a pre-school teacher making very little money, but I have a Master's Degree.

5. I would make a great secretary. I love filing, typing, answering the phone, etc. Again, I'm a bit overeducated for this job. . .

6. I will be using my MA degree in the fall when I become a high school librarian. YEAH!

7. I am at work typing this list, hence all the work related random things. . .

Have a great day!

I tag Jeanne, Jim, Jen R., Kelly, and whoever else wants to play!

Pizza Hut break through

2008-04-10T11:41:00.002-05:00

I think I have mentioned before Kalista's huge pickiness when it comes to eating. It is something we have fought and struggled with for 4 years now. There are about 10 things that she eats fairly well and we always make sure she eats a fruit at lunch and dinner (either applesauce or banana -- the only selections she finds acceptable from the fruit/veggie food group). To me one of the weirdest things she won't eat is bread. At all. This of course leaves out sandwiches, french toast, and many kinds of pizza because the crust is too thick.

Up to two weeks ago the only kind of pizza she would eat is Tombstone. At the annual Camp Ne-o-tez dinner I was told she ate a piece of Pappa John's cheese pizza. I was somewhat shocked, but knew she was really hungry by the time the pizza had arrived. Then last night I was feeling under the weather with allergies and what not and the kids had Book-it coupons for free personal pan pizzas at Pizza Hut. I asked Erin if we could just go there for dinner since I didn't feel like cooking. Of course he was all for it and both kids agreed.

Kalista was all excited about using her special coupon. When the pizza arrived we didn't say anything, but just watched to see what would happen (knowing we had applesauce in the car-though Kalista didn't know this). She looked at it, picked it up, made several faces, and then took a small nibble. When all was said and done she ate one piece of her personal pan pizza, and would have eaten more, but we would have been late for church. Yeah for Kalista! An even bigger shocker is that Isaac only ate one bite of his! (He is usually my big eater, but is suffering from allergies also!)

Trying "new" foods is going to become very important in the coming months as the kids will start a new day care in the fall where I am not allowed to pack their lunch. This will be a huge change and adjustment for Kalista. But each week I seem to see very small baby steps. I guess that's all I can ask for. . .

Take me out to the ballgame. . .

2008-04-06T18:26:00.004-05:00

Our family shot down on the field

Today was our first Cardinal game of the season! Yeah! We had great weather and a great game (Cards won 3-0). The kids are always pretty good at the games, and today was a bonus day for them as there was one homerun (which always means fireworks), we won the game (which means more fireworks), and it was a run the bases day where we get to take them down on the field to run from 1st base to home. They had a blast. Of course is also means no nap for Isaac till about 5 minutes from home. I carried him inside and let him sleep a bit longer, but let's face it 5:00 pm is too late to start a nap and still get to bed at a decent hour. So, needless to say he is really cranky now. . . Oh well, it will be bedtime soon! Hope everyone has a great week, we've got rain, rain, and more rain to look forward to in STL.

In the stands. Did I mention our seat were at the very top in the last row, as high as you could go? Actually they weren't bad seats and we didn't have to worry about people spilling stuff on us!

Isaac crossing home plate with Daddy.

That little red blur about to round 3rd is Kalista.

Trip to the ER

2008-04-04T10:26:00.003-05:00

Well it finally happened. A member of our family took a trip to the ER last night. Can you guess who? Did you say Isaac? If so, you would be. . . wrong! Erin punctured his hand at track practice yesterday while trying to lift a hurdle over a fence. He slipped and caught himself on the fence with the palm of his hand. After waiting an hour and a half or so, X-rays (to make sure no foreign object was present), a good cleaning, and a tetus shot, he walked back home from the ER (we live about a block away) just in time to read bedtime stories. Good times!

nap woes

2008-03-27T15:53:00.002-05:00

So Isaac has not been a good napper lately. If you read my blog at all, you will have noticed all the crazy stories devoted to him. He is exhausting, literally. I need time with him asleep not destroying anything. Lately it has been hit and miss. He is only two and a half and really should not be giving up his naps this soon. I just allowed him to get out of bed after listening to him sing to himself for the last 1 and 45 minutes. He was so excited to be set free. To his credit he had been laying/sitting/jumping (some of the time) in his bed the whole time. There were no toys in bed with him, which is often the case, but he was wearing his pj shirt over his clothes (I guess he found it in his bed somewhere). When I asked him why he didn't take a nap he told me, "Dak and Eenstak was in my 'oom" (Jack and the Beanstalk was in his room?) Okay, wierdo. Early bedtime for you tonight.

A wise woman once told me the best advice she had ever gotten as a new mom and I thought I'd share it with you all. She said,"You can give a child food, but can't make them eat it. You can put them on the potty, but can't make them pee or poop in it. And you can put them in their beds, but can't make them fall asleep." It is so true. . .

Needing to catch-up. . .

2008-03-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

I know I need to catch everyone up on our happenings, but we'll save that for another day. For today, I'll let my sister Angie speak for both of our families. . . .

Here's what she had to say

Disney pics

2008-03-19T14:49:00.003-05:00

Here's just a few pics from yesterday at Disney

ahoy, thar mateys!

Isaac's first roller coaster.

Vacation woes -- with a ray of sunshine at the end

2008-03-19T14:02:00.002-05:00

So last Friday we started Erin's spring break by heading to FL to visit his mom, the pool, and Mickey Mouse. After a bit of a later start than usual we only made it to an hour outside of Atlanta (the St. Louis side). We usually try to make it past Atlanta on day one, since it makes for a much easier second day. God was with us this trip though (I mean, I know He is always with us, but I really saw him this trip) But storms and tornadoes went through Atlanta right around the time we usually would have been driving through. So good thing #1, we made it to Gramme's house safe and sound Saturday night.

After a lot of swimming on Sunday and Monday the kids were tired and I wasn't feeling too hot Monday night. Erin was grilling hamburgers when he came in to tell me we needed a plan B. Apparently the gas grill was rusted through and at one point he went to lift the lid and the entire grill fell to the ground. Good thing there is a Wendy's up the street. So after dinner we watched "B Movie" and got the kids to bed. Still not feeling well, I took my temp and it was 100+. Not good, we were going to Mickey's House the next morning, but I was determined to make it through the Disney day regardless.

As we were packing up stuff to take to Disney, I realized I hadn't seen the camera bag since the hotel in GA. The camera bag that contained our new ESO digital camera, our video camcorder, and 5 full tapes of recorded memories. 6 AM is not really a time to be looking for the camera that I am sick to my stomach sure in somewhere in GA, so we grabbed Gramme's digital, lots of Advil for me, snacks, diapers, jammies for the way home, etc. . . At this point my fever is still over 100

Once at Disney, my Advil has started kicking in, the kids are having a blast, the weather is perfect (partly cloudy, low 70's), and the crowds are not too bad. We met several characters and got there autographs in Kalista's new autograph book. We rode lots of their favorite rides, plus some new ones. (Isaac really liked his first roller coaster -- Goofy's Barnstormer) At some point mid-morning I started shivering and told Erin I was buying a sweatshirt. (I also took more Advil) The kids got some new pirate gear with their souvenir money (thanks, Gramme!) and got to meet Capt' Hook. Next we headed over to Animal Kingdom to see Finding Nemo - the Musical. We had a bit of time to kill, so the kids (and Erin) played at the Boneyard Playground in Dinoland. I sat and watched. The show was great, but I was not, so we got a quick dinner and then caught the bus back to the ticket center and our car. As Erin was changing Isaac's diaper I started looking for the new autograph book and realize that it is no where to be found. Deciding we must have left it in our rented stroller at Magic IKingdom, Erin hopps back on the Ferry to find out, while I take the kids to the car for jammies and a movie while we wait. (Thank goodness for car DVD players!) Erin got back, but no luck finding the book. Disney did give him a replacement though . . . minus the autographs of course.

So we drive home, or Erin drives home while me and the kids sleep (me covered up with our picnic sheet from the back of the van with my heat set on 85) My fever was up to 103 when we got back to the house and my throat was killing me. I got in bed, covered up with four blankets and tried to sleep. This morning I decided I better find some walk-in medical center, or I would be no help to Erin driving home on Thursday. Diagnosis -- Strep. At least now I have some antibiotics to help me get well. . .

So what's the ray of sunshine the post title eludes to, you may ask. . . Erin called the hotel in GA where we stayed and of course they don't have our cameras, but as I sat down to write this "poor, lil' me" post Isaac woke up from his "nap" where he had been playing in our bedroom. Apparently he moved lots of stuff around, including all our jackets where our camera bag had been hiding underneath of! YEAH! Now if we can just make it home safely without losing anything else. . .

Bye-bye Binkie

2008-03-07T08:46:00.003-06:00

For those of you who know my son, a shocking title for this blog. . . Here's what happened. Wednesday Isaac decided not to take a nap. We could hear him through the monitor talking and playing. At one point he came to the top of the stairs with his two binkies (he is only allowed one) saying, "Wook, I got two binkies, I found my sheep binkie by my bed!" I told him if he wasn't going to take a nap he needed to throw his binkies on his bed. Isaac had other ideas. "I throw away my binkies," looking at the trash can at the bottom of the stairs. Erin and I were all for it, so into the trash they went.

Now some of you know we attemped this several months ago with hour long screaming fits at nap time, bed time, and in the middle of the night when we finally gave in and gave him a binkie he "missed" when throwing the others away. This time we were more prepared. At bedtime he said he would go get his binkies out of the trash. After trying to convince him otherwise and stopping him from digging through the trashcan, Erin removed the binkies but announced we needed to wash them.

As he was washing them, I got out the scissors and cut off the end of one of them. When we gave it to Isaac, you can imagine his reaction. Total and complete meltdown! "It boke, my binkie boke! Daddy boke my binkie! " (I explained to Isaac that he throwing them away broke them, not daddy) This went on and on through storeytime and prayers. Once in bed his body realized that he hadn't taken a nap that day, and he actually fell asleep pretty quick. However, he was up at 11:00, 2:00, and one other time I didn't look at the clock. Each time he woke up crying for his binkie, but each time was awake for less time. In fact, Erin didn't even hear him the last time.

So how was nap and bedtime on Thursday you ask? It did take him a lot longer to fall asleep each time, but there were no tears and I didn't hear a peep out of him until 8:00 this morning! I'm so proud of him, now if he would just give up his diapers . . .

Snow Day Number 4

2008-03-04T15:02:00.003-06:00

Here was the scene this Sunday. . . high of 78 degrees, Isaac in shorts, Crocus in bloom, great afternoon of bike riding and other outside sports. . . .

Here was the scene today. . . high in the 20s, everyone in three layers of clothes, Crocus buried in 8+ inches of snow, great afternoon of snowball fights, drive-way shoveling, and attempted snowman building. . .

As you can kind of see from this pic, it is still snowing, a lot! While we were outside our street was plowed. Before we came in, it was covered again. . . No school tomorrow? Guess we'll wait and see.

Checking off Goals. . .

2008-03-02T17:27:00.002-06:00

Well, I have accomplished another 2008 goal. The goal in the #2 spot has been completed. As of Thursday afternoon, I (almost) officially became the new librarian at Hazelwood Central. YEAH! I say almost because contracts aren't ready, so I haven't officially signed yet. This has totally been an answer to prayers. Not only will I be working a lot closer to home (15 minute commute vs 30), I am back at the school where I started my teaching career (so I still know lots of people), and as many of you know Erin works there too! I am excited about getting to eat lunch with my husband everyday without our two wonderful, but very time-consuming at meals children!

What kids say. . .

2008-02-28T11:47:00.002-06:00

So last night driving home from church here was the kids' conversation. . .

Isaac: I see pizza! (we passed a Pizza Hut) I see pizza out Sissy's window.

Me: Wow, Isaac! Are you the smartest boy in the world?

Kalista: No, he's not the smartest. I'm smart too.

Me: I didn't say he was the smartest PERSON, just the smartest boy.

Kalista: Oh yeah, cause YOUR the smartest person mom! Dad, she may even be smarter than you!

Isaac: NO! Her not smart! Her my pooka-wooka, and daddy's my bubba-woo! (These would be the silly names that Erin and I call Isaac)

Isaac Kisses

2008-02-21T09:14:00.002-06:00

So I don't know if it is just a little boy thing or just an Isaac thing, but he doesn't really like giving kisses anymore. For the past few weeks or so I've been getting him to kiss me on the cheek. He kisses each one, I declare I need one more on the first cheek, and at the last minute I turn my head so I get a "real" kiss. He HATES when I do that, but continues to fall for it every time. Last night at bed time we were going through our ritual and I tricked him not once, but twice. He was squealing (and laughing) but then declared, "One more time mommy. On Cheek. Put Hand on Mouth." So I put my hand over my mouth, he kissed my cheek, and then declared, "Dare, dats a good one!"

Another Snow Day

2008-02-12T09:39:00.000-06:00

Here we go again. . . . You gotta love working in a school district with rual routes. Even though our immediate area didn't get much sleet or snow yesterday (and Erin still had school), the kids and I are home for a snow day! Kalista was excited since she got to have a jammie day (her favorite kind of day) She even thanked me for having a snow day, as if it were my decision! Any way these are some pictures from the snow day two Fridays ago. With Kalista and I having the flu last week, I am just now getting around to posting them. Enjoy!

One great weekend

2008-01-22T16:19:00.000-06:00

So this post is really an update on my list of goals. . .

So far I have worked out at Curves 3 times a week and ran three other days each week.
I have applied to three school districts and have two screening interviews set up (one in about a 1/2 an hour)
I have caught up with my family album as far as my printed pictures allow. That means I have through June done.

This last one is all due to my great weekend spent at a scrapbooking retreat with several ladies from work. I completed 60 pages! That is the most I have ever done at one time. Now, when I host my own retreat at the end of February I won't feel so guilty only getting 2 or so pages done.

As for my other goals, I am sad to say my bible reading has taken a back seat to getting my resume and cover letter up to date. Now that I have accomplished that I will get caught up on the Beth Moore study I am leading at church.

Potty Training Progress?

2008-01-11T07:42:00.000-06:00

I want to start this post by stating that we are really just at the beginning stages with Isaac and the potty. The stage where you talk about going pee pee in the potty, let him sit there for a few seconds if he asks (most times with his diaper on), and then let him flush. Erin has had a bit of success with getting him to actually go maybe a handful of time (typically right before a bath). Last night Isaac and Kalista were getting ready to get in the tub. So as usual, Isaac gets naked and then declares it's his turn to potty (just so he can flush, he LOVES flushing). So he sits down and immediately says he's done. I tell him to sit there and push the pee pees out. Suddenly a nice yellow stream shoots over the toliet lip to the floor. I yell, and push the offending appendage down. He stops peeing, but I tell him again to push and more comes out, this time in the potty. YEAH!

Unfortunately my story doesn't end there. . . Isaac is climbing off the toliet, I am cleaning up his accident, and Kalista (who had gone potty first) decided that she really needed to go poop too. So up she climbs and Isaac climbs into the tub. Now we hadn't turned the water on yet, so I leave to finish my dinner, Erin is collecting towels, jammies, lotion, etc., Kalista is sitting on the potty and, Isaac is standing in the empty tub. Suddenly Kalista is calling for us "Mommy, Isaac just pooped in the bathtub!" WHAT! Erin goes running and sure enough he had. Luckily it was just one spot, not on any toys, and fairly easy to clean up. I am so thankful we hadn't started the water yet! We had great discussion about where we go poop and later as he was playing in the water he told me "Mom, no pooping in the bafftub."

2008 Goals

2008-01-06T13:07:00.000-06:00

I don't make resolutions. I, like everyone else, would end up breaking them within a month and just get frustrated. Instead I try to make some attainable goals that I would like to accomplish. Here they are in no particular order:

finish updating my REAP application and resume and then send them out to school districts
find a librarian job for next school year
work out at Curves 3-4 times a week
run 3-4 times a week
drop one more clothing size
RUN (not walk) the annual 5K Zoo run in June
complete (I guess I should start first) my family scrapbook album for 2007
finish updating our family address book (somehow this project has been going on for 3 years)
study the bible at least 3 days outside of a church setting

I guess that's enough. I hope that by posting this, I will be more accountable and will reach many, if not all of my goals!

Belated Chistmas and Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T14:32:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know I've been on break from school, but that doesn't mean we haven't been very busy! So here's a quick update since Christmas. . .

On the 23rd Kalista got to perform her His Singers songs after church. The original date was cancelled due to the snow storm and cold weather. She did great and loved that her whole family and all her cousins got to see her. Check out the props they used for one song entitled "Blitzen Boogie"

Isaac moved one step further from babyhood by having his cradle converted into a toddler bed. He stays in it pretty well and has only fallen out twice. . . So far so good. Now if we could just get rid of his binki (We tried a few days ago, more on that in another post). . .

Christmas Eve and Day were filled with lots of family, fun, and food. Both kids were really great, even with the long hours and no naps. Santa brought them a "castle bounce house with balls and sticks" (this is their standard response to this question). But I think these other pictures show their true favorites -- a LMax leapster for Kalista and a Pirate ship tent for Isaac complete with dress up clothes.

I hope everyone is having/had great Holiday Season. Happy New Year!

Christmas Friend Survey

2007-12-19T17:06:00.000-06:00

Several friend emailed this to me, so I decided to follow another blogger's lead and just post my responses. If anyone else wants to participte, jump on in!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? A little of both. The kids have to wrapped, since that only kind of stops them from opening them early.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial, always. Too messy otherwise. Plus don't you have to remember to water them. Yeah, like I would really remember to do that!

3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime during Thanksgiving weekend, definitely by the next weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? Right after New Year's

5. Do you like eggnog? nope

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A cabbage patch kid, or maybe my Barbie swimming pool

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I got my first one this year. It's a Little People's one. It's really cute, but the one I really want is the Willow Tree one.

8. Hardest person to buy for? my sister Angie

9. Easiest person to buy for? everyone else

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can remember taking back some clothes my dad picked out for me. Oh wait, I just remember the year my grandma gave me a college care package full of deodorant, shampoo, lotion, etc. None of the right brands of course. She also included a roll of quarters which was very helpful for laundry, so I guess it wasn't all that horrible.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail 1

2. Favorite Christmas Movie? I really like all of them, but some new favorites are Elf, and The Polar Express.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Many times. In fact, I have a box in my basement of things that I can "regift".

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Magic Squares (Hey, mom! Where are they? Weren't you suppose to make those and give them out to us?)

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? My upstairs tree is just white lights, by downstairs tree is multi-colored

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Come, O Come Emmanuel

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually drive to FL at some point, but Erin's mom is coming up here this year.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? absolutely

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star on the downstairs tree, big red bow on the upstairs.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Lingua family on Christmas Eve, Roades family on Christmas Day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Being so busy every night of the week, I lose track of what the whole season is suppose to be about.

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? Our downstairs tree is full of all the ornaments we have collected over the years. My mom still gives each of us a new one every year, so it's really full! The upstairs tree has little red bows and snowflakes that Erin's grandma crocheted.

Learning Place Christmas Programs

2007-12-15T17:04:00.001-06:00

This past Monday and Tuesday were program nights at preschool for the kids. They were really long, tiring days, but for the most part went well. Kalista did great singing all her songs and doing the motions.

Isaac, on the other hand was crazy. He started out okay, shaking his Jingle Bell, doing some of the motions (leaving his place on stage to find his sister and give her a hug. . .) This was him singing O'Christmas Tree on Tuesday night.

Their last song was called Christmas Lullabye. I guess he took them seriously Monday night.

By the end Tuesday night, he was done. He didn't want to get back up on stage to sing their last song, so this is what happened. . .

Such is program life with a two year old. . . Stay tuned for pictures from Kalista's last performance of the season. Sunday night (if it's not snowed out) will be our annual Cookie Social at church. Kalista will be singing along with the rest of "His Singers", a group of 8 girls 4 to 10 years old.

Visiting Santa

2007-12-15T16:54:00.000-06:00

Each year when we go to visit Santa, I never quite know how the kids will respond. This year they both did great, even after a 15 minute wait while Santa when to "feed his reindeer"! Isaac kept telling me he wanted to go feed them too!

Cookie Baking

2007-12-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. Time to go off of diets, attend countless parties, and bake cookies. This week has not been the best, but it certainly ended on a sweet note. . .

It started coming apart on Wednesday morning about 4:00 a.m. when Kalista came in my room saying her head hurt. I snuggled her and sent her back to bed. At 7:00 when she woke up for good she said her head still hurt and she was cold. I took her temp and it was 99.4. Now Kalista's normal temp is around 96, so this was high for her. However, we have been really short staffed at work, so I asked her if she could make it to preschool and she said yes. I guess we were both too optimistic. Half-way there she threw up. Over the next 24 hours she threw up 4 or 5 more times, looked as pale as a ghost, and laid comatose on the couch.

By Thursday morning I could tell she was feeling better and as the day wore on she was able to eat more and more and it all stayed down! The opposite was true for me. I woke up Thursday morning with a sinus infection. I blew my nose every 5 to 10 seconds and felt miserable. I was glad we still had to stay home from preschool for Kalista's sake, I don't think I would have made it through the whole day myself. The worse part was that Erin, who never gets to do anything, was going out of town Friday to a track coaching conference and staying overnight. That meant I had two more days of just me and the kids and feeling like I'd been run over by a truck!

Things did get better. My medicine started working and I was able to get some sleep. Isaac was remarkably well behaved through both Kalista's and my illness! God was with us for sure! Saturday morning I disinfected the kitchen and got ready for my sister and niece to come over for cooking baking with me and Kalista. This is a annual tradition in my family, but it is always different who can come. Mom got iced in and couldn't come and Angie claimed that she was on a diet and didn't need cookies at her house, so she stayed home as well (check out her recent post). So the four of us got to work (Isaac didn't help much, just kept asking where the cookies were and trying to take the unbaked dough off the cookie sheets). We baked all afternoon and into the evening. It was a lot of fun, but very tiring. The worst part is that I couldn't taste anything since my nose is still so stopped up!

Conversations with Kids

2007-12-04T11:47:00.000-06:00

On the way to school this morning the kids and I were having a typical day. They were listening to the Wiggles (it was Isaac's turn to pick), and I was listening to Christmas music on my Ipod. When out of the blue Isaac says to me . . .

"Mom, I whike Whacie" (I like Gracie)

"You do? That's good." I reply.

A few moments pass.

"Mom, I whike Whacie and Sissy whikes Whexie" (I like Gracie and sissy likes Lexi)

I repeat to make sure I heard him right and then ask, "Well, who do I like?"

"You like MawMaw." He replies.

"You're right I do." I say

At this point Kalista chimes in and says, "Yep, you like your mom. And both of us likes Gramme."

Isaac says, "I like Gramme too."

And we continue on down the road. What sweet kids. . .

Life with Isaac (or why I haven't posted in more than two weeks!)

2007-11-21T08:31:00.001-06:00

For any of you mothers of two year old boys out there, you know what I mean by the title of this post. My son is a great big ball of energy. He never stops. Ever. In fact I hear him running from room to room upstairs right now, and he's only been up 10 minutes. In fact, I need to see what he's doing. Be right back. . . Okay now everyone is safely downstairs eating poptarts and watching Handy Manny. I might have 15 minutes to finish writing this. Maybe.

Now don't get me wrong. I love my son. He is hilarious. He is just also exhausting. I have compiled some pics to show you what typically happens during the course of a few days at our house.

Isaac locked himself in Kalista's room and was too quiet. When I found him, this is what he looked like!

Isaac loves getting out daddy's cold running gear and putting them on. "My govs, my hat!" is all we hear. . .

Before giving him anything to draw with, I always ask him "Where do we draw?" "On paper," is always his answer. I guess he thought his face was made out of paper. . . Thank goodness for washable markers!

Even at bedtime, it can take him an hour or more to settle down and go to sleep. Last night, for example he was singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of his lungs. When I went in to tell him to go to sleep I asked whose birthday it was. "My giraffe!" He replied. Next we got a very loud rendition of "Jingle Bells". This pic was during his take his diaper off phase, which reappears every couple weeks or so. . .

Enough about funny little boys! The rest of us are doing great. Erin and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on Sunday. We both agreed that we don't feel like we've been married that long, but we feel like we've been parents forever!

Kalista had a great week at school. We had our Thanksgiving Feasts both days and she got to make Native American headbands, and necklaces. And then of course enjoy her feast of Go-Gurt and Applesauce! Isaac loved all the real feast food and pigged out on everything!

I will end with a very sweet Kalista story that reminds me how thankful I am. Last week Kalista was saying her prayers and I was helping her out. Towards the end, I said "Thank you for letting us learn about God and Jesus today at church." After we said "amen" Kalista looked at me and said, "You know mom, next time you should just say thank you for letting us learn about YOU and Jesus, cause we were talking to God!" I was taken aback. I had consciously used God so she wouldn't loose context, but apparently she understands perfectly that when we pray we are talking to God! It amazes me that we can learn so much from little ones who are so close to God. How they can understand that Dora and Diego are pretend, but God who they can't see is real just shows how He can reveal Himself to us if only we let Him!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The Halloween Season

2007-11-04T16:40:00.001-06:00

It all started the Saturday before Halloween when Erin and I hosted a party. Really there were just four couples sitting around in costumes playing board games and laughing like crazy. No kids were allowed and we had a lot of fun. Erin and I liked to dress-up in some sort of a couple theme. He has a great Forrest Gump outfit, so I got to be his Jenny.

Then we had Fall Harvest Fest at church on Sunday night. No pics, since I forgot my camera at home, but the kids had lots of fun playing the games, making pillows, and decorating treat bags (not to mention all the cookies they ate!)

Next on the agenda was Pre-school Party day! (or days, since my kids go to both sessions) Kalista kept it easy for me and dressed up as the same thing both days (Bride Ariel). I thought this was a good compromise since we had to talk her into Dorothy and not a Disney princess for the actual Halloween night. Check out the wig. It was so heavy it kept falling off, but she loved it! Isaac being his usual happy go lucky self, didn't care and just wore his lion costume all week long. He really got into roaring when he had it on.

That finally takes us to the actual event of Halloween night. Kalista was really excited, especially when Maw-Maw showed up (my mom) to go trick-or-treating with us. And surprise, surprise she dressed up with our theme too! This all came about from a phone call Kalista had with my dad about 2 months ago where she told him what we were being for Halloween. Now Wizard of Oz is my dad's favorite movie of all time and Kalista knows this, so she told him that he could dress up too and that he could be a flying monkey and Maw-Maw could be the witch. "The good witch, Glenda?" he innocently asked. "No, the mean, ugly one with a green face," Kalista answered. Well, my dad just thought that was hilarious, so he told mom, who being a very good sport obliged!

This last picture was just a really good one of the kids with some of our pumpkins. Erin always does a nice job of carving them.

One last story to share. . . As we were walking around Nancy's neighborhood (after stopping by the Henley's fabulous Open House) with some other friends of ours from church, the kids (they have a 3 1/2 year old girl) were having a hard time remembering all the things they had to say at each house (trick-or-treat, thank-you, etc.), so one of the adults would try to remind them as they were waiting for the door to open. Isaac, being much shorter, would always arrive a bit late, but was still trying to keep up. At one particular house he got there just in time to put his bucket out as I was saying "What do you say?" Emma and Kalista immediately responded with "Trick-or-treat" as the lady was filling their buckets. Isaac, being third in line, piped in with "I want some too!"

We're off to see the Wizard!

2007-11-01T08:27:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween yesterday. We all had a lot of fun. I'll post more pics later, but here's one of the family!

Trauma over costume?

2007-10-24T13:20:00.000-05:00

If any of you are a regular reader of my sister's blog, you would have seen her recent posting about her tramatic Halloween as a fried egg. . . Well take a look at this month's cover of Family Fun Magazine. Does this kid looked traumatized to you? I guess our mom was just 20 years before her time. Love you Ang!

Better than 20/20

2007-10-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

Surgery success! My LASIK yesterday went great, and at my post-op appointment this morning I am seeing better than 20/20. Yeah! For those of you who wear glasses, you know what a huge change this is! It is really hard to describe. I keep trying to push my glasses up on my nose, but of course they are not there! Thanks for all the prayers!

My kids are being pretty funny about the whole thing. Kalista keeps crying everytime we talk about me not wearing glasses any more. She wants to know when the dr. is going to give them back to me. Isaac didn't quite get the eye shields that I had to wear all last evening. He kept telling me to "take off, mommy!"

Halloween Tag

2007-10-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

How much do you enjoy Halloween?
I love it! Besides Christmas it is my favorite!

Do you think Halloween is too commercial these days? Do you miss the traditional costumes?
Too traditonal how? Dressing up is dressing up. I love it all!

Do you give out candy? If yes, what kind?
Yes, we give out candy. Usually little chocolate candy bars. Since having kids we just put a big caldron bucket on our porch and then take our little ones around. I realize this may mean that our neighbor kids take it all, since it is always empty when we get home, but who cares?

What has been your favorite costume? As a kid or adult?

I've had lots of favorites, like the year I was a washing machine and my friend was the dryer, but I have really enjoyed the last few years with my kids. We try to do a theme and last year was Star Wars. Here's a pic. Kalista picked her own character (she has been obsessed with Darth Maul since she was 18 months old, found a figurine and declared that "Darth Maul's trouble".)

When you were growing up what was the weather like during trick or treating? Did you ever have to wear a heavy coat over your costume?
I'm like Angie don't really remember coats too much, but I do remember rain. Yuck!

What was your favorite candy as a kid to get?
Mini chocolate bars and tootie rolls

Do you think Halloween costumes today are too provocative for kids and teens?
There are definitely some provocative ones out there to buy, I haven't see any kids wearing anything too bad.

What are your Halloween plans this year since it falls on a Wednesday?
Same as every year, walk around our cul'du'sac, then go to the Henley's Open House and walk some more around their street!

Now I tag Nancy, since she is the queen of Halloween!

Just catching up

2007-10-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy time in the Roades house. . .

It all started last Wednesday with our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch with preschool. Both kids had a great time. Kalista loved the straw mazes and Isaac really loved the train ride.

Then that evening Erin's mom flew in for a much anticipated visit. The kids were ecstatic! They love their Gramme because it means games, stories, playtime, and more games! Normal bedtimes were forgotten, good visit time was had by all!

The second reason for Karen's visit was for Grandpa's memorial service at Jefferson Barracks. It was very, very nice. The kids did great even during the rifle salute (Isaac thought about crying, but it was over too quick) and bugle playing (Isaac did ask "where the tumpet go?" really loud once Taps was over and the bugler left.)

On Saturday morning, Karen left and the kids were to my parents' farm for the evening, so Erin and I could attend a dinner for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. No we are not wrestlers, but Erin's dad, uncle, and several great-uncles were -- big time. In fact the Grubbs family (Erin's grandma's family) is largely responsible for bringing amateur wrestling to the St. Louis area and they were all inducted into the National Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Lots of Erin's relatives that we don't get to see very often were at dinner and it was nice to catch up with them. This is a pic of Erin, his uncle Jay, and one of his dad's old coaches.

That brings me to today where I got to skip school for a 3 hour eye exam. Why 3 hours you may ask? Well, next Friday I am having LASIK surgery on my horribly nearsighted eyes and today was the mapping appointment. I'm nervous, but really excited about life without glasses.

Is this the face of a bully?

2007-09-26T16:30:00.001-05:00

Yes it is. Poor Isaac has had a rough week.

It all started this past Friday night when we started breathing treatments again. It was bad enough that Erin took him to the Dr. on Saturday. You guessed, it we were back on oral steroids and breathing treatments for the next five days. We were also given a perscription for Singulair, so hopefully these episodes will subside.

So for the better part of 5 days now, Isaac has been hyped up on lots of drugs. Needless to say we all (Erin, myself, and Isaac) are all suffering from lack of sleep. While that is not a good situation the other side-effect of steroids -- agression -- has reared its ugly head at pre-school this week. Isaac hit one of his favorite friends on Monday and then hit 3 more kids today (one of them 3 times) all before 10:30. Ms. Jeanne did a great job of putting him in time-out, but after the third victim mom stepped in and laid down the law. After 2 hard swats on the booty and another 2-minute time out (with him hyperventilating the whole time - he is quite the drama king when he wants to be) I think he got the message and had no more incidents the rest of the day.

It was hard to discipline him while he is sick especially since I know this behavior is not typical for him. Those 2 minutes I sat with him were very hard, but drying his tears, snuggling him afterwards, and having him say "I no hit my friends" told me that all was well and he learned what he was suppose to. . . until the next time! :)

ps Thanks for the great glasses, Aunt Nancy! As you can see, he loves them!

Dieting, I-Pods, and Reality TV

2007-09-21T11:28:00.000-05:00

This will be a misc. post as there is really nothing new going on at the Roades' house.

Dieting, yes I am at it again. I am going through a 6 week diet class at Curves. I have had a lot of success with this in the past. In fact pre-babies I lost 30 lbs in about 5 months. Then I had kids. After finishing nursing Isaac last Aug. it was time to lose all those baby lbs for good. One year later (and after taking the summer off from dieting and gaing almost 10 lbs back) I am really close to my goal. I think I need to lose about 15-20 more lbs. That's not a really specific number because I am more concerned with getting my body fat percentage into a healthy range (25%) Right now it is closer to 30% . Those of you from pre-school that read this blog know this already and are probably sick of hearing me talk about it . Don't worry only 4 1/2 more weeks of class to hear me complain! Hopefully I will be very close to my goal when this diet class is over. This week hasn't been very promising though. . .

Me and my Ipod. Erin got me a Ipod Nano for my birthday. I love it! For those of you that know me, I love music and sing a lot. With two kids though it is hard to get to listen to the music that I want to. There is constant fighting over whose turn it is, and some days it is just easier to let them listen to the Wiggles or Mickey's ClubHouse than argue. Enter my new Ipod. I can now plug in one ear bud, listening to my music and tuning out theirs. Only one ear of course, so if I am needed I can still hear them!

I am so glad that the new season of TV is starting soon. I am a TV junkie. Seems weird, since I am also a very avid reader. While I am not a big reality TV person, Erin and I do really enjoy The Biggest Loser and Survivor. It is so amazing to watch the people on the BG so completely change their lives and get healthy. Survivor is just fun.

I'll try to make my next post more exciting. . .

Sweet Kalista

2007-09-07T09:30:00.001-05:00

Just a cute story from Kalista this week. . . She loves church. In fact every other or day or so she asks me if it is a church day. Well this Wednesday she was still feeling puny from her HFM episode (see previous post) that we decided not to go to Wed. night class. I decided not to tell her, since I knew it would be a huge issue. All was going according to plan, until about 6:00 when out of the blue she asked me if it was a church day. Now Erin and I have a policy of not lyng to our kids, so I told her that yes, it was a church night, but she was still sick and we were going to stay home so we didn't get any of the other kids sick. Her response? "But mommy, I promise I won't kiss anybody, so they won't get sick!"

School's in session -- bring on the germs!

2007-09-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

I have always had very good immune system, so has Erin and Kalista. Isaac on the other hand is my sickie. Since birth we have dealt with reflux, RSV, countless colds, eczema, allergies, and cold-induced asthma. He had a great summer, but of course school started three weeks ago, fall allergens started flying and I gave him his 1st breathing treatment of the season. Of course when I got the nebulizer out I was missing a vital piece of the machine (I think it got thrown away), so I had to resort to his inhaler. This is of course on top of his bout with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease this weekend. (Thanks, Kennedy!) Poor boy hasn't eaten in days because his mouth hurt (it got so bad he even spit out his binki!), his sleeping has been poor, and now he is having breathing issues. Oh well, like I told his dr. at his 2 year appointment two weeks ago. . . "see you soon!"

Oh, by the way. Kalista just came and told me that her feet hurt. I looked and she has spots all over her feet, hands, mouth. . . Nice way to start the week. Sorry Ang, I guess your kids were exposed. . .

Good-bye Grandpa

2007-08-28T19:21:00.000-05:00

Sunday Erin's grandpa, John Hicks passed away from complications due to pulmonary fibrosis. He had been sick for some time and last Monday started going downhill very fast. Erin and I flew down to FL on Saturday to say good-bye. It was very difficult, to say the least. When we got to Erin's mom's house Saturday evening, grandpa was up out of bed for what would be the last time. He knew we were there and we were able to talk with him for a few minutes. The next 8 hours or so were the last he seemed aware of what was going on around him. All 4 of his children made the trip down from MO to see him one last time.

Probably the most heart-breaking thing of the whole ordeal was watching grandma with him. A little background first -- grandpa and grandma have been together for some 71 years. In the last few years, grandma's memory has begun to deteriorate and as grandpa's health worsened, she couldn't seem to understand, or remember why he wasn't acting the way that he used to. However many times over the last few hours of grandpa's life, grandma would climb up in bed with him and they would snuggle together. She seemed to finally grasp, as least to some extent what was going on.

All of my grandparents have been dead for several years and I was actually never very close to any of them. But from the moment I joined the Roades/Hicks family I was treated like another grand-daughter. I can to feel much closer to Grandpa "Whitehair" (as Erin always called him) than to any of my own grandparents. He was a very sweet man and he will be greatly missed by many, many people.

Happy Birthday Me and 1st Day of School

2007-08-20T18:52:00.000-05:00

My birthday started with Erin kissing me good-bye and whispering "Happy Birthday" as he left for work. I then enjoyed another half hour of sleep before I had to get up for my first day back to work. Then as I'm getting ready, Kalista comes running in with our family's birthday hat and sunglasses and made me put them on. It was a nice surprise that she remembered it was my birthday without being reminded by anyone!

Lovely pic, I know! Kalista took it. Pretty good job for a 4 year old!

After both kids were ready for school we headed outside for some first day pics. They were both really excited. Isaac loves his Diego backpack and has been wearing it around the house for weeks (even though it is as big as he is!) Once at school they both did really well. Isaac only cried for me two times and both times were because he had gotten hurt. The first time he got his fingers shut in a door, the second he fell off the cafeteria table and got a black eye. Nice way to start the year, huh! So much for getting his picture taken on Sunday! After calming him down after the eye incident, he went back to playing and had a great day. Kalista really liked her first day too. Being a "big" kid she eats lunch later, so therefore has her snack in the morning. Boy was she excited! Snack before lunch! That never happens at home! It made her day, and she is ready for more!

Isaac didn't want me taking this picture of his eye, and he was yelling "NOOOOOO!" as I took it. His eye is all puffy and red. I am sure it will turn black in a day or two. He must have hit his cheek also since it is all red and scraped up too. This happened around 11:00 and I took this picture around 7:00 tonight.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISAAC!

2007-08-17T20:34:00.000-05:00

Now it's my baby's turn for a birthday! It is hard to believe he is two already and we haven't even been to the ER with him yet! (He's my climber, daredevil, wild man, etc. . . ) We had pretty uneventful day. Phone calls from Grandparents, presents once daddy came home from work, a visit to the "duck" park, and birthday ice cream at Fritz's. I know at two Isaac really doesn't care what we do, but I still wanted him to enjoy his day. I think Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese will be more his thing. Until then. . .

Tag -- I'm it

2007-08-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

Apparently my sister thinks we are still in grade school at recess. Good thing Tag was one of my favorites! Here's my list. Oh yeah, Rachel -- Tag! You're it!

First memory: It was my third birthday party. I thought of it as a pool party, but really I just played in the sprinkler and kiddie pool with my sisters, the Burnett's, and other friends from church. We all talked into a tape recorder and I used to listen to that tape all the time.

First Real Kiss: Sean Berger

First Concert: Michael W. Smith at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis

First Love: I'm with Jim on this one. While Erin is absolutely my one and only love today, I would have to say my first love was Keith McCord.

First Crush: Chad Evins in Kindergarten or 1st grade. We teeter-tottered and sat on the monkey bars together.

First thought in the morning: "Why is Isaac yelling at Goofy? Go back to sleep!"

First book you remember loving: So hard to choose. . . I guess anything by Janette Oake

First Pet: The first all my own? A cat named Willie. He got hit by a car and had to be put to sleep. I haven't really liked pets since then.

First thing you think of when you hear vacation: Branson or Disney World?

First Best Friend: Jennifer Burnett

Last time you dressed up: Closing banquet of Creative Memories Showcase last Tuesday. I even wore make-up and jewelry!

Last CD bought: I think I bought Erin a Bare Naked Ladies CD for Christmas last year. Maybe it was his birthday in Feb. Or maybe it was the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse soundtrack for my kids for Easter. Can't remember!

Last book you read: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Last time you cried: Saturday when a good friend told me her and her husband were going to start coming back to our church.

Last movie I saw: Spider-Man III at the Omni Max, St. Louis Science Center

Last time told someone "I Love You": Isaac after he fell down a flight of stairs at a friends house today. He tumbled end over end, has a small bump on his head, but is fine now!

Last really funny thing you did: I'm just not very funny. I can't think of a thing! I can tell you the last funny thing Isaac did. . . Last night I was cooking dinner and he came up behind me and zerberted the back of my knee. Just like that, out of the blue. Of course his dad thought that was hilarious, so encouraged him to keep doing it!

Last thing watched on TV: I am currently listening to Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (Kalista, like her mom, has a thing for Christmas movies) The last show I picked was the 10:00 news last night.

Last Halloween Costume: Princess Leia last year. We always do a theme with our kids and last year was a Star Wars theme. Erin was Han, Isaac was a baby Yoda, and Kalista was Darth Maul (red face and all, and it was her pick -- she LOVES Darth Maul!)

Last Concert: I think it was the Dave Matthews Band at Riverport four or five years ago. Or possibly a Billy Joel/Elton John concert in Chicago when I was pregnant with Kalista (So again more than four years ago!) That's pretty sad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALISTA!

2007-08-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

We now have a 4 year old! Where has the time gone! It has been a good day so far, even if it started way too early (A 5:30 phone call telling Erin that school had been cancelled, followed by two more phone calls all before 6:15, and then Isaac waking up at 7:00 -- a little early for him.) Kalista got to have her morning pop tart and then it was present time! Since she was going to have to wait until daddy got home from his first day of school, it was an added bonus! (By the way school was cancelled due to power outages from storms last night. Many places are without air conditioning.) Anyway back to the birthday girl. So far she loves her new Kid-Tough Digital Camera from her Gramme Karen and her Ariel Card games that daddy picked out. I think the big Cinderella Castle from Disney World will gain popularity when she gets a chance to play with it. Isaac was really taken by the castle too and tried to take over. He kept asking for his presents. Just four more days, buddy! I think the hardest part of the birthday so far was trying to convince Kalista last night that the next day would be her birthday. She knew her party was not the next day, so therefore it couldn't be her birthday, either! I think I finally got her to understand that your birthday is always the same day, but your party could be on any day. (Her and Isaac's shared party at Chuck E. Cheese will be this Sunday after church with all her cousins!) Anyway I think we are in store for lots of picture taking at our house, so until next time. . . everybody say "CHEESE!"

Where to begin. . .

2007-08-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

Whew! I knew it would be a crazy two weeks, but did it have to be so HOT for crying out loud! I feel like I have a lot to say, but I can't think of anything because I am suffering from heat exhaustion oweing to the fact we were at the Cardinal's game today in the 100+ degrees! We never made it to our seats (which were in the direct sun), we left after 4 innings (but did see two homeruns by the good guys), and my kids each got a cute Cardinal Build-a-Bear (which was today's promotion and one of the main motivators for attending!) What else can I say? Oh yeah, IT WAS CRAZY HOT! (Even with Isaac constantly spraying me with water from his fan bottle!)

To catch you all up the kids and I have had great end of summer. They got to go to the MO Botanical Gardens, Zoo, spend 4 days at the farm with MawMaw, PawPaw, and Andy, and go school shopping (okay that last one wasn't too much fun for them, but they did get to ride the train at the mall!) I, on the other hand, got to see four of my best friends from college and get caught up on their lives, got to have a great trip to MN which helped me refocus my business and recharge my mommy/wife battery, and then come home to sweet babies that couldn't stop hugging and kissing me. (I swear Isaac called my name every five minutes for the first 6 hours just to make sure I was still there!)

Here are some zoo pics from last week. . .

As you can see Isaac really liked the bubblers at the zoo! I guess his Mickey Hat needed cooling off too! Now to tackle our next big adventure. . . School! Erin's first day with students is tomorrow! He is well prepared and ready to start -- oh yeah, except for the fact that they (meaning the teachers) have no class lists yet since they (meaning the students) don't have their schedules yet! Should make for an interesting first couple of days! The kids and I still have a week until pre-school starts, but we do need to spend a couple of days in my room this week getting ready. I'm sure this week will go by too fast. Oh yeah, did I mention it is REALLY HOT?

End of Summer Fun

2007-07-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

Wow! Looking at my calendar for the next three weeks is crazy! This week I am going to Cuba, MO to visit Angie and the girls, the MO Botanical Gardens with a friend from church, hoping spending time with two good friends from college, participating in the St. Louis Relay for Life, and leaving for the Creative Memories national convention. When I get back (in the middle of next week), I will be preparing for The Birthday Week! As many of you know Kalista's birthday is Aug 13th, Isaac's is Aug 17th, and mine is Aug 20th! And of course no August would be complete without the start of the school year. (Whatever happened to starting after Labor Day?) Erin's first day with kids is the 13th and I start back at the pre-school on the 20th. Where did the summer go? Don't get me wrong I am one of those mom's who looks forward to school starting. I love my kids, but I've run out of activities to do with them and I need a break! With Isaac climbing the walls (okay, not the walls but the treadmill, table, back of the couch, etc.) and Kalista constantly whining about everything I am ready for some structured activity time at pre-school for them and some adult interaction for me! Where is Erin you ask? He is a high school teacher and should be home for the summer, but not this year. He is working at a lab at Wash U. this summer with longer hours than his normal school ones! Oh well! We have had some good family times this summer too. Here's a pic from the Cardinal game this Saturday night.

Giving this a try.

2007-07-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! And welcome to my attemp at blogging. I have enjoyed catching up on many of my friends from high school and college by reading their blogs, that I have decided to try it myself! With the end of summer approaching, school getting ready to start again and being a busy mother of two small ones, I hope I can post once a week or so! So here goes and happy reading!