Walking (not barefoot) and the Park

Today was the first day in a long time I was able to get a walk in.  I really enjoy walking by myself as I am able to pray and listen to some of my music without any distractions.   I was able to get in a 35 minute walk.  

In the late afternoon we met The Seidle's at a park for some play time.  This park was new to us.  Very very nice.  Lots of cool areas.  We did not even get to see a tenth of the park but we were all very happy to be there.  The rain held off and we were able to enjoy 2 1/2 hours outside today!!!  I was shocked that no one fell into the Lake but relieved of course.  We did have one injury and yes, it was my Abigail.   She slipped on some leaves by the lake and was able to catch herself on the rocks hence the wound on her wrist.  But she was a trooper.  No tears at all.  I think she was shocked that she did NOT go into the water because she was heading there.  

The only trouble with talking to Barb is that she gave me more curriculum choices for next year.  I am looking forward to the Homeschool Convention in order to check these out in person.  I am such a hands-on person!   Just about a month away now!!!

Abigail on a bridge at the park.

Abigail again!

Dead but still cool.

Abs making a fishing pole - it did not work!

The Seidles and The Sheas

Weeper

Well it is official, I have become a weeper.  I get extremely weepy over the littlest things.   Weepy eyes over joy in my children's lives.  Weepy eyes over the struggles of my children's learning.  Weepy eyes from reading about children in India.  WHAT is happening to me!?!?   

Today was more that I wanted to be away from my kids.  That caused me to weep as I brought them home to be with them and I did not want to be.  Just keep praying for me and my silliness.

Good news!

Bill had his doctor's appointment in regards to surgery or not.  The result is not!!!  The tick bite is nothing but they want his previous EKG results in order to determine if all is "normal" with this one.  Well the positive note is NOOOO surgery.   

Last Crazy Tuesday!

I am doing the happy dance as today marked the last crazy Tuesday of the school year!!  Joshua finished his gymnastics, Stephen hung out with a friend, and Abigail had her AWANA awards at night.  The awards night was the culmination for the whole day for me as they had an ice cream sundae social after the looooong awards.  I understand that it is exciting for kids to get awards but it is extremely boring when your kid gets none.  That's right - zilch, zippo, nada!  (She thought everybody would walk away with some type of award.)  My beloved Abigail.  She really was hoping that something would come her way but none did.  I don't know if I should be happy or sad for her.  Happy because she should want to go because it is all about learning bible verses not about how many awards I can take home.  Sad because she did work hard all year and got nothing for it.  (Well I guess I am supposed to tell her that she "got" to know God's word.  I just question how much she really remembers.)   Anyway, I am ecstatic that this day has come!!!!   Below are some photos that captured the day:

Warm-up time at gymnastics

Rings

Trapeze

Caught it!

Waiting for turn!

I had turned the camera over to Bill for the awards as my sinuses were in rare form again.  Needless to say, no photos of Abigail.  He was very nice and did capture photos of friends who received awards but not one shot of my girl!  

Is it a tick?

This will be brief.  I awoke at 6:15 am to these words from Bill, "Pier, can you come see if this is a tick?"   I shot out of bed put on the spectacles and through very tired bleary eyes deduced, "Yup!"  We went scrounging around for almost 15 minutes trying to locate a pair of tweezers, (Let me just say in Ohio I have 3!)  when Bill remembered that his car came with a first aid kit.  And we were victorious in locating tweezers.  (Good thing I was here - he wanted to burn it off!)  I was able to pull it off completely with a little bit of hubby's skin attached!  (Okay, I am getting itchy all over again.)  We were both on the internet trying to decipher what type of tick.  We have determined it to be a wood tick.  So he will be calling doctor's office today to see what they advise.  It is never a dull moment here!  I'll keep you posted.  But a prayer would be much appreciated.  

Bill is home so it's family movie time!

As per usual our Sundays begin with church.  This was my last week to teach for this month.   

And today in children's church we had a "field trip."   We walked over to the 5th-7th grade class and the 2nd-4th graders were presenting a bible verse, wave-style.  It was fun and a great way for the kids to get familiar with sharing bible verses and talking to others about Christ and the Bible.  

Abigail was gone from us most of the afternoon.  She left church with Rachel and family and then went off to a laser tag birthday party.  We did not get to see her until 5:15p.  She had a wonderful time.  I must say, I missed her.  She is the one that I "struggle" with on a daily basis, yet I was truly missing her.  Crazy, huh?!

While the boys and I were driving home from church, Bill called and asked if we wanted to go to lunch somewhere as he was very close to the church and picking up his car.  He had a good time at the retreat but you always seem to come back more tired from these things.  So for lunch, I came up with PF Changs.  And at 1:30p we were sitting down eating some chicken lettuce wraps (I love chose!).  It felt like a long lunch, not quite sure why.  All went well but we did eat a lot.  Two appetizers and 3 meals between us!   (Well we did have some leftovers).

Since Adam (Rachel's dad.  Who was also at retreat with Bill.  They even shared the same room.) was in the area  and he had Gabriel with him, they came over for about an hour during aforementioned birthday party.  Josh and Gabriel played some Wii sports and such.  The hour went very very fast.  Abigail had a great time and was thinking of having this type of birthday party.  I'm thinking NO!!  While I like the idea of not doing anything, they do it all, I am not happy with the price tag!  OUCH!!

Dinner was easy, Pizza!  Very little clean up for me and certainly no cooking.  After dinner, Bill and I took our walk together.  Then we came home to do our family movie time.  We bought Bedtime Stories.  Once we were able to figure out the Apple TV all went well.  We really enjoyed the movie.  Then it was off to bed for the little ones, with the big one watching an item on ebay.  Finally came time to put him to bed and all was quiet!!!

Great Day!!

Abigail and Joshua waiting for movie to begin!

Bill and I sitting together.

Here's Stephen!

Mini Golf with family!

OOOOOOh!  What a beautiful day!!!  I know we have all been looking forward to a day like this for some time now.   We had a very leisurely morning.  And then went off to Arby's.  The children love this place.  I must say I was not too pleased with the location near our home.   It took a very very long time to get chicken tenders (that's the other thing - no popcorn chicken?!?!).  And no free refills on drinks.  Whaaaat?  You charge me close to $2 for a 16 oz. cup and I can't even get a refill for that.  Yeah, I don't think I'll be going back any time soon.

  

After lunch it was over to Grandma and Pop pop's to meet with Kevin, Allison, and Jaide to go and play some miniature golf.  This place has it all.  Mini golf - 2 courses, batting cages, and cart racing.  It was very cool.  We were all excited.  Well in our excitement, we neglected some key points - like making sure we had water and some snacks.  The place was mobbed and it was very sunny.  It did help that there was lots of shade.  But our bellies were feeling the sting of hunger!  I don't recommend this for the future.  The other thing is it takes 7 people a long time to get through mini golf!  I don't think the groups behind us were too happy.  We caught on about 1/2 way through and let those that were finished go on to the next whole.  It did start going much faster.  I think it also helped that Allison had her pocketbook and was able to locate some sugary things for the kids to help with their hurting bellies!  Ahhhhh! the joys of sugar.

Here is the group ready to begin!

 This is whole number 1!

 Cool hole!

Waiting and beginning to be hungry!

Abi and Allie

There was a hole that you played that was on the inside of a 

fake mountain.

Which is where Kevin got the hole-in-one.  

Our only one of the day!

So hole number 18 was looking great by the time we arrived.  It had this slide you go down after you hit the ball.  Well only kids up to age 12 were allowed.  I was thinking about it as my 12 year old is bigger than I but changed my mind when I realized I needed to carry down my club and 3 others too.  We were so tired at this point I don't even think anybody putted into the whole.  We were officially finished.  So we returned our balls and clubs then into the snack joint to get some ICEE and a pretzel.  

It was back to my parents house after the much needed snack.  If I remember it took us over 2 hours to get through.  It was truly a fun time.  But back at Grandma's was more fun.  This is a picture of Devon, she is my brother Jason's girlfriends daughter.  She really took a liking to Stephen and he was able to have her mimic him.  It was very cute!

The girls playing outside with Chocolate.  He was not staying

still for a picture.

Testing the day away!

I decided to give the kids a little break from normal school to go through some assessments for the possibility of next year's curriculum.   Well let me just say that I totally forgot that when you pass one assessment they give you another and another and so on.  Well after 3 math tests Joshua asked to take a break.  Then it was back to work on two Language Arts test and then a break.  So we are not going back until next week some time.  I am not too sure when but I would like this completed prior to a homeschooling conference that is the end of May.  Stephen was about to take his 4th Math assessment too and then asked for a break.  He completed two parts in LA too.  My Abs is all done with Math.  Not her best subject, rather surprised with the results.  I can't wait to talk to an advisor about that.   Well there were still some tests for "regular" school that needed to be completed.  I was shocked at how quick the day went.   In the midst of all of this we had Bill working from home as he was leaving for a Men's Retreat by 1:30p.  It did put a damper on the assessment as we needed to print some items and he is in the room where the printer is.   Crazy, crazy, crazy!!!   

Abigail was itching to go for a walk so she could find some bugs for her new bug kit that she got at the dollar store over the weekend.   Surprisingly she was a little apprehensive when we came upon a web of little caterpillars.   Shocking, I know!  So I did the work.  I must admit I was very aware of where the others were and making sure my head was no where near the branches.   I did not have my camera with me but I did take some photos using my cell phone.

This was the largest nest.

This is a second nest in the same tree.

Here is Abs trying to place caterpillar inside container.  

The evening was completed with Stephen attending a youth group movie night to see Monsters vs. Aliens at the IMAX.  A bit pricey but it is more fun.  Unfortunately only 5 kids showed up.  And only 1 other boy.  He still had fun though!  Thanks, Barb!!

Park Day

The children worked hard from 9:30-12:00 in order for us to be able to go to the park and meet with 4 other families.  The original idea for the meeting was to try and organize a book club for boys starting about 4th grade.  (There is a girls only book club here - which we have not attended.)  Luckily there was another Mom who felt the same as I  - why don't we include the girls.  So the compromise was to do the same book but we would separate the kids.  The older boys would have a book discussion.  The girls, aged 7-9, will have more of a crafty project and a little discussion pertaining to the book.  Oh yeah, we plan on going through the entire Narnia series.   There will be two younger boys aged 7 that we figured could start out just playing with each other.  If that doesn't work we might be able to do some things with them.  I was thinking of having them draw some pictures about the book that we will be discussing.  We shall see because we have decided to wait until September to begin.  I know why are we meeting now?!  Well we weren't too sure as to when we could begin but since we are finishing out the year it just made sense to wait.  I could see starting if we were not doing a series, this way get the boys used to a discussion because Stephen in the only boy who has ever done a book club.  But we came up with another idea, let's meet periodically throughout the summer for all to feel comfortable with each other!   Happy Day for Stephen, he met someone his own age!!!

So this park has a creek that is way cool.  I saw that the Fish and Game stocks it with trout and you are able to fish here.  I think we need to get some fishing licenses and bring back the fishing poles and have some fun soon!  Here are some photos:

This is where we Mom's sat.  But we were moving around a lot

as we were making sure the children we not floating down river.

This is how steep the bank was.  We thought sitting close

would allow us to see the kids. Not so much.

Stephen enjoying his time.

Picture upstream

Joshua exercising great caution.  View is downstream.

Abigail picking worms out of creek!  My nature girl!

Surgery!?.... and my Mom

Bill called the doctor(and the doctor said...) yesterday about his knee.  Although it is not painful anymore he still hears the popping noise and feels it too!  So off to the Doctor this morning and I am sure you know where this is going by the title.  Yup!  surgery.  I was completely shocked when he got home and filled me in.  Meniscus - torn cartilage - is most likely floating around the knee cap and can lodge itself in all the wrong places.  He still needs to call and get it all set up.  In particular an MRI to verify what if anything is in there.   How crazy is that?!

On a separate note, my Mom came over today.  She and I had some alone time as we went out to Panera for lunch.  It was a nice hour just the two of us.  I can't tell you when that happened last.  The kids just love when she comes over as she makes sure she gets to see what each is doing.  She sits down with each of them individually and talks with them about how they are doing, what they are doing, and such!!  After our lunch we came back and played some board and card games.   Boy does the time go uber fast when you are truly having fun, fun, fun!!!

Get together!

Today I enjoyed my day because I was able to spend some time with my friend Barb.  Barb and I have known each other for lots of years but it wasn't until Nashville - earlier this year - that we realized how much alike we really are!   She sent me a text message last night inviting me and the kids for lunch today.  We had to do an early lunch as Joshua had gymnastics today but we were able to squeeze in two hours together.  Yea!!!  It was a nice day too so the kiddos were able to play outside.   They have these marshmallow guns and Stephen was enjoying himself shooting the children!   It was so good that we talked about setting this up for once a week now.  We both are in dire need of support as our kids are going buggo trying to finish up schooling.   

Looking up

On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a Women's conference at the church where I met my hubby, where we got married, and where our children were dedicated.  It was wonderful to sit in the sanctuary again.  I was all smiles looking upon the altar where so many of those events occurred.  Truly a blessing and a renewal from me.

You see earlier in the week a friend called to tell me about the day and a half (they began Friday night) conference.  And would I like to meet her there and attend.   I made sure all was okay in the household and answered, "Yes!"   I was unable to make the Friday night session as it did begin at 6:30p.  The theme was "Looking unto Jesus."  I gotta say it - been failing at that a little bit lately.   But with this renewed and refreshed spirit things are looking as wonderful and amazing as they always were and will always be with Jesus and me.   So my thanks to Eileen for thinking of me and for following through and inviting me.  While also there I had the opportunity to connect with many ladies that I used to fellowship with.   Truly a blessing!  I won't bore you with my renewed sense of purpose but please continue to pray for our family and that we will find contentment wherever we are!  I can honestly say I am looking up!

The Injured

Okay, we have been walking regularly for a month now.  On our Thursday evening walk Bill's knee was irritating him.  (Information I was not made aware of until Friday afternoon!)  When he was getting off the train on Friday morning he said he felt his knee pop and had pain all the way down to his ankle.  As you ready in my post Friday was a run around day for me, so when I finally had a chance to speak with Bill it was 2:00 pm.  It is at this time that I found out the said information.   I suggested he go to the ER as he was still in much pain and discomfort and said he felt fluid in his knee.  He said, "Yeah, you're right!"  So some time later, about 2 hours, I receive the text that said he was at the infirmary at work and the doctor said he sprained his ankle.   He called me and I did not understand why the ankle if he had pain in his knee.  Doctor seems to think his knee gave out on him and that caused him to sprain the ankle!?  Today he is feeling better but every now and then the knee is painful.  Ankle?  No more trouble!  So who knows what is really happening!  I suggested he make an appointment this week.   Hopefully it will all go away!

Mac is bac(k)!

Yes, the iMac has returned home.  However, while I was out with Abs this afternoon the boys said they heard the dreaded noise.  I am still waiting to hear it myself.  Our new idea is to record the noise so when we bring it in they can hear what we always hear.  Let's hope that works.  Wait better yet, let's hope it doesn't make the noise anymore!!!!   We had to travel over to the mall to pick it up 30 minutes each way!  Hold on, let me back up my  day began with having to drop off Bill's car for maintenance, new tires, and a recall.   That appointment was for 8:30 am.  We did set up a rental as I knew it would take all day and I did not want to hang out there waiting.    When I returned home I had the kids get to work so that when we were leaving to go get the computer they would only have one or two things for the car ride.   It was very exciting being in a different car.  We used it all day!!   Here are some photos:

Remember how I mentioned that the mall has a carousel well the younger two desperately wanted to ride.  Here are some photos of that:

View of Carousel from parking lot.

Eager and excited Abigail

Equally as excited Joshua

Tried to capture the full scope of this double decker carousel.

I must admit it really is very cool.  The way it is situated in the window overlooking the outside.  Great idea.  The name of the mall is called Raceway Mall.  So it is only befitting to have a carousel.  The racetrack is down the road.    We ate lunch at the foodcourt and then walked around this mall for a little bit.  They have this cool store called Robot Galaxy.  Kinda like a build-a-bear but with Robots!!!  Picked up the computer and headed home as today is piano class for Abigail.  After class we picked up Bill's car and then decided to go to the little park here because we had another sunny day!!!   (A note about the park so you can all understand why I want to leave this complex sooner rather than later.  Okay so sitting there watching my kids and there were this group of boys that were playing some game where you hit a nerf football with a bat.  Okay so it goes that whoever catches ball can be the pitcher.  Two boys run, one clearly wins the other wrestles him to get the ball.  When 1st boy would not give up ball the second boy began punching him, yes, I said punching him!  Well the old boys will be boys thing wasn't working for me as he was punching him in THE FACE!!  I had seen enough,  Yup you guessed it I intervened and made boy number 2 apologize to boy number 1.  It was "unacceptable!!!"   And yes, I told that boy so!!!!)   Just a little glimpse into why I put such a short leash on my children here.    

On a separate note somehow Bill sprained his ankle!! I'll blog more on that later!

Build number two on a nice day.

What a gorgeous day this was.  The children did not get started until very late so I took the opportunity to use them and had them help me build the second book case we bought a few days, I mean weeks ago!    Finally!!!  It really helps the room look and feel bigger plus it gets things off the floor.  I am a stickler for things in their places.   So I am ecstatic that this is complete.  I spent the rest of the day going back and forth between the children working and organizing the new shelves!   I still have some paperwork to go through but all-in-all I am happy with my accomplishment!   I also was able to clean off the desk!!!  (I do this periodically but my hubby is a dumper and it get messy very very quickly.) 

This is Joshua separating the screws and such before we begin.

Now I get that the shelves don't look too tidy but it is a work in progress.   

I wish I took the before picture and then you would understand how

much better this really is.

Since the day was gorgeous I enacted the "you must walk and be outside" rule today!   Off they went and spent some time outdoors.  Joshua hurt his finger and then he was done.    Baby steps!  

Abigail explaining about a little brown dog that she

just got to pet by the name of Hershey!

Zipping on her scooter.

Josh giving it a spin.  (He had to stop due to NO helmet.)

Bill was able to arrive home earlier than usual so I said it was time for the family to walk, especially if they wanted any TV or xbox time.   (I am so sneaky.)  They complied and we all went for a walk.  We let the children go after our first section and we proceeded to walk through another section.   This accomplished two things, one - more walk time (I also walked earlier today 1.5 miles - Thanks to Dee Dee's encouragement! ;-) second - time alone with my hubby!  This was not as long because I was only wearing a sweatshirt and it gets cold when the sun starts to go down.  brrrrrrrrr!

My sweet Joshua

Joshua is my youngest and he is very very fun!   He enjoys being by himself a lot and can entertain himself very easily.  He likes to play with Abigail but I have noticed that since she can tend to dominate the play she can be frustrating for him.  He likes to play with both his older siblings and each play is different for him.  It is like him being the most popular as they both want to play with him.   He is cute and cuddly.  He loves being with the family and is having a hard time when other plans are made.  For instance, Bill and I were talking about the NJ homeschool conference and Josh overheard and was wondering where I was going.   I tried to reassure him that I would only be gone for several hours as this convention is only about an hour away.   His latest saga is his anger.   He gets extremely angry when things don't go as he planned and he usually ends up throwing something.   Last week he threw his guitar.  Today his books on his shelf were not cooperating so he threw one.  I had him stand in the corner so he could work out his feelings.  He is usually very apologetic and remorseful when it happens.  Take a look at some photos of him:

His guitar practice.  He loves playing!

Playing with Stephen and looking very much like a pumpkin.

Josh and I sharing our new chair and a 1/2.  

If you notice the computers on our laps.  See I told you that computers are very very important here.  You can also see Bill's off to the right side of the photo.  

Stephen my Eldest!

Since I posted all about Abigail, I thought I should take some time to post about each child.  Stephen my eldest!!  I absolutely love him and would be lost without him.  It scares me that he wants to return to school in a few years.  I will miss him terribly and not just because he helps so much but because we enjoy a lot of the same things and it is fun to discuss different shows, sports, and news with him.  Stephen is a very good big brother and helps me tremendously when I need to go to the store or when I have activities or functions with the younger children.  It is especially difficult for him in the apartment and homeschooling.  He often comes up with some fun things to do.  Here are some pictures:   

This is when he decided to put on some armor.  I personally

thinks he looks like an oompa loompa!

This is a fort he created.  There was actually two - the 

one they are in and the one on the bottom bunk.

All created by Stephen for all of them to use.

His latest fun thing to do is to play on xbox live with some of his friends.  The really funny thing is that these friends are back in Ohio.  He met one of them last year and only really started doing this live thing a few months ago.  Since then we have been back and he has met more of them.  How funny!   He does wish his friend Casey was on.  He misses him!  This Friday the youth group that he attends will be moving to Friday night instead of Sunday evenings.  I am hoping that he will get more friends here because of this.  Here's hoping and praying!!!

He is also digging this new card game called Killer Bunnies.  It is a ton of fun!  I still haven't won yet but I persevere!!