AW Shucks Pumpkin Patch 2008

Holly and I took the kids to Aw Shucks for a little corn mazin, hay ridin, and pumpkin pickin. It was fun.

Ocean City, MD Vacation Oct 2008

We met up with my parents and Tami at Ocean City, MD during the kids fall break. What a blast, I could live at the beach. I just love it, so relaxing and fun. Here are some pictures from our trip:

Long Time

I haven't posted in a while but we have been busy. Here's a brief summary of what we have been doing lately with a few posts to come with more details. The kids had fall break from Oct 4th to Oct 20th. We went to Ocean City, Md for a week to visit with the Hykes Fam. Last week the kids and I did some day adventures with my sister and Trevor. We went to Aw Shucks a great little Pumpkin patch farm that has a corn maze, small petting zoo and other fun activities for kids. We had 2 fun filled sleep over nights at Aunt Holly's house. We built forts, ate lots of junk food and watched movies. Kyra Joy got tested for some speech issues, we found out that she has a very very mild delay, that with time she should out grow. We decorated the house for Fall with lots of mums, scarecrows and hay. Last but not least, Dan started putting up our christmas lights for our annual christmas tree lighting on Thanksgiving night.

I have lots of pictures that I will post later.

Kaili and Dakota started back to school on monday and Kaili was nominated by here teacher for the TERRIFIC Kid award. She has a special ceremony to honor her on Tuesday the 28th at 7:30am for parents. Dakota has received all green smiley faces this year at school. A green smiley face means that he is behaving and listening to his teachers, what an accomplishment to have all green all year. Great job, kiddos.

I started watching a new little baby girl (Neena) what a joy. She is so precious and such a content child. It is just Kyra Joy and Neena during the day until around 2:15 when the start of the school kids are racing home. Dakota and Sade around 2:15, Dawson around 2:30 and then Kaili and Trevor around 2:45. It gets pretty loud and busy from 2:15 until 4:00 or so. But they are great kids.

We found out last night that Dans Grandfather Landis passed away yesterday so that was some tragic news that we were not expecting. He has been ill for several years and he is in a much better place out of his pain and misery.

More posts to come with lots of pictures.

Sisters Weekend Getaway to Santee, SC

Holly and I went to Santee, SC (on Lake Marion) last weekend for a little sisters getaway. What a blast, we relaxed friday night at the resort watching movies all night. Saturday we got up early and headed to Savannah, GA for the day. It took 2 hours. We took a carriage ride through savannah, went to Lady & Sons (Paula Deens restaurant) for lunch, walked through city market and along the water front. Then headed back to the resort late afternoon. We came home sunday morning. It was a great time with my big sis, but we missed Tami. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

On a happy note....my Elliptical came today

Yeah, I am so excited, my elliptical came today. In a box that Dan and I (well really Dan) will have to put together. It is a Keys Fittness (Iron Man elliptical). I am so excited I have been wanting one for years, finally broke down and bought one. Hopefully it will be sturdy and work as well as what I have read. If not I have 45days to return. I hope it doesn't take 45day to assemble. :)

I have to rant and rave.....

I am really getting sick of this babysitting gig (job) whatever you want to call it. I had a lady that I have watched her child before on several occasions, ask me to watch her little boy yesterday, today and tomorrow morning. Yesterday morning was fine, she was a little late but she emailed to tell me she was going to be late. Today no show and no call until over an hour after she was to drop him off, then finally an email to tell me her husband was taking a sick day today and he wouldn't be coming. I am so tired of ignorant and thoughtless people. There seems to be so many of these types of people that just don't care how they treat others. I mean really when you say your going to drop a child off at a certain time DO IT or else let the babysitter know. How annoying. Sorry just had to rant and rave. I have had this happen so many times in the past year, I am beyond frustrated. Obviously, by this post.

That's all for now about that topic.

First PTA Meeting

Tonight was our first PTA meeting at Kaili's school....had no idea what to expect...but must say it wasn't that bad. The meeting took about 30minutes and then they had this awesome Master Puppeteer that performed. He was amazing. I wish I would have taken my camera, as usual I forgot to bring it with me. Anyway, here are some of the fun exciting things that we will be doing this year at Benton Heights School of the Arts:

Fall Carnival
Fundraisers, fundraisers, fundraisers and more fundraisers
A Father Daughter Dance (how cool is that)
A Mother Son Dance (how cool is that)
and more...

We had a good time supporting her school.

Our Myrtle Beach Getaway

Dan finally had a saturday off from his part time job, so we packed up the kids and headed to the beach for the night. We hit the beach around 1pm for a few hours then to the pools and hot tubs. It was a gorgeous day, mid 80's and sunny blue skies. After a few hours at the pools we headed up to our room got showers and headed off to Planet Hollywood for dinner. We couldn't resist going to Broadway at the Beach for a few kiddie rides, then back to the resort. We jumped back into our bathing suits ventured down to the beach for a little night time castle building and pool/hot tub fun. We got to see a fire works display right by our resort. We slept in until 8am ventured back down to the beach for morning castle building and ocean swimming then to the pools and hot tub one last time. We left the resort around 10:30am, went to Wendys for lunch and then to the famous Tanger Outlets to hit The Childrens Place for some end of summer bargains. We got home around 4:30pm. What a great weekend!!! I would do this again in a heart beat. Our kids love the beach and the family time was the best. Here are some pictures:

Dakota's first day of Pre-Kindergarten

Dakota started Pre-K on Tuesday August 5th, he rides bus #97 to and from school. He loves his teacher Mrs. Spuirelle she is a veteran teacher and has a lot to offer. Here are a few pictures of his first day.

Kaili's First Day of Kindergarten

Kaili had her first day of Kindergarten on Monday August 4th. She rides bus #169 to and from school. Her teacher is Mrs. Thomas. She really likes her teacher. Kaili will not only have traditional classes but also, spanish, dance, drama, art, PE and music classes.

Discovery Place

When Aunt Tami was here in July we took the kids to Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC. I was amazed at all the interactive exhibits for the kids. They had a blast. We met Dan around 2:45 toured discovery place until 5:00, went out to Dinner at Champions, and then toured down town Charlotte. Charlotte is a really beautiful and clean city. Here are some pictures from our day.

It's Official....

Dakota will be going to Pre-K. He was accepted into the Pre-K program at Walter Bickett Education Center (WBEC) . He is so excited.... Dan took him to get his new big boy backpack. (Superman of course) I can't say enough about this program, it is a true blessing.

WOW....I can't believe that I will have 2 little munchkins in school next year.

Kaili's Pre-K Graduation

Kaili graduated from Pre-K on June 6, 2008. She received the award for most caring in her class. We are so proud of her accomplishments this year she has grown academically as well as socially. Ms. Lindsey and Mrs. Pass were the best teachers she could have had, caring, loving, kind, firm and supportive.

Long Time No Posts....

It has been a long time since I posted last....we have been busy. My uncle Ted came down with my mom and dad in April for a little visit. What an awesome visit we had, now travel planner Kim is thinking up a little vaca to New Orleans.

Kaili had her Spring Fling at her school. What a fun time with Grammy, Pappy and Uncle Ted.

Grammy and Pappy stayed to visit for a week, they took the kids strawberry picking in South Carolina. They had lunch with Kaili at her school...she was so excited to have them eat lunch with her and meet her teachers.

Dakota got a new big boy Hot Wheels Bike.

Kaili had a field trip to Walter Bickett Elementary school to visit the kindergarten class.

Of course Mothers Day...what a great husband & kids I have. The simplist of gifts are the most meaningful. Dan took the kids to Golden Leaf Nursery for the monthly kids craft and I got 3 beautiful handmade potted plants. I would take any gift created and made by my children over expensive store bought gifts anyday.

My sister, Tami, came for a visit last week...she is the best. We took all the kids (including the daycare kids) Tuesday to Reed Gold Mine for a little tour and panning for gold. Unfortunately we didn't strick it rich. Thursday to Chuck E Cheese for food and fun. Friday to Benton Heights Elementary School for the Drama Clubs presentation of Mulan. What a fun week.

To think these are 3rd, 4th and 5th graders unbelievable performance. Great Job, Arts Department at Benton Heights.

Now back to reality and no more family visits..bummer..miss you all.. wish we were back in PA :(

5:30pm Bedtime Update

I am still in shock that Kaili, Dakota and Kyra-Joy slept the entire night. We woke Kaili up at 6am to get ready for school and Kyra-Joy woke up around the same time. Dakota slept until 7:15am. Obviously, they really needed that sleep.

5:30 Bedtime Tonight

Yes, your reading it right, I got the kids to bed at 5:30pm tonight. You know your kids need rest when falling asleep at the dinner table. This is a first, I have never gotten them to bed that early before. But I must confess......IT IS NICE!!! IS THAT QUIET I HEAR.......OH MY GOSH IT IS, SO THAT IS WHAT PEACE AND QUIET SOUNDS LIKE. I like it :) I will finish a few cleaning items and then off to bed with a good book to end the day.


SLEEP WELL MY LITTLE ANGELS!!!

Kaili as Police Woman in her Pre-K Performance

Bravo...Bravo that is what all the moms and dads of the Walter Bickett Education Centers Pre-K Program were saying tonight. The children had a phenomenal performance of singing and dancing. Kaili had a star performance. Enjoy the pictures from her debut.

To all the moms

Thanks Aunt Sharon for sharing. I really enjoyed this, I hope you enjoy as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaujFS5EH4

No intelligence allowed The movie

No intelligence allowed The movie.

To be released in theaters Spring of 2008 - April 18



Dear friends: Have you heard about this new movie coming out soon, written and narrated by intellectual and creative "genius" Ben Stein? He explores how scientists and scholars are being fired and students persecuted for merely asking questions.

See the trailer at http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playgroundvideo3.swf

The movie's Web site is at http://www.expelledthemovie.com/

Princess Kaili and Kyra-Joy

The Chick-Fil-A in Monroe, had a Princess Diva Party for all princesses. Cinderella and Belle arrived for picture taking. The princesses could get their face painted and nails polished, it was very crowded but something fun to do.

The Brick

THE BRICK

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared . Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said. 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of hiswheelchair and I can't lift him up.' Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.' Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Thought for the Day:

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!


God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Kaili lost her first tooth

Kaili lost her first tooth on Monday March 31st while eating an apple at school. Her teacher sent it home in a plastic bag so she could put it under her pillow for the tooth fairy. Well let me tell you, that tooth fairy has increased her giving over the years. From a few cents to a few dollars...how generous.

Dining Room Dilema Over

Finally a finished Dining Room. After many long nights discussing how we were going to paint the room, we FINISHED. Here is what we decided....