Showing posts with label Katie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katie. Show all posts
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Talented Friend
A friend of mine is about to become a stay-at-home mom to a sweet little baby boy...and we have been waiting for this boy for a very long time! To assist with the inevitable income gap and to give her an outlet for her amazing creativity, her husband invested in a top-of-the-line camera. Below, and on my new profile picture, you will find just a few results from our latest sitting. If you are interested, email me and I will get you in contact with her. She is extremely reasonable - and we ALL know that I am frugal! Did I mention that she is great with kids, and comes with a husband/sidekick who takes candids during the shoot? Actually, I think that he took most of the ones below! But I'll load more when I have time.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Odds and Ends
Katie had to write a persuasive letter for her Language Arts. She had to decide who she wanted to persuade, what she wanted to persuade them to do, and make an appeal to both emotion and logic. Here is what she settled on. She wanted to persuade Kevin to let her STAY with Grandma. Meaning, live with her. Her appeal to emotion included the fact that she loves Grandma and has fun with her. Of course this is logical, because she promised that she would obey and not ask to go shopping. Best of all, she told Kevin, "You and Mama can go on lots of dates."
After she wrote the letter, she was watching Looney Tunes and informed me that Michagan J. Frog is very persuasive. (Michagan J. is the singing frog who always stops performing when put in front of an audience.) After all, he sings, "So bay-be, come on, and tell me I'm your oooooowwwwnnnn!" Come ON! Tell me I'm your own!
And in other news, we had a crazy squirrel try to get into the house last week. He kept trying to jump through the French doors. Then he came back a couple of hours later and did it again. Weird!
Finally, in case you didn't know, Wendy is McDonald's wife.
After she wrote the letter, she was watching Looney Tunes and informed me that Michagan J. Frog is very persuasive. (Michagan J. is the singing frog who always stops performing when put in front of an audience.) After all, he sings, "So bay-be, come on, and tell me I'm your oooooowwwwnnnn!" Come ON! Tell me I'm your own!
And in other news, we had a crazy squirrel try to get into the house last week. He kept trying to jump through the French doors. Then he came back a couple of hours later and did it again. Weird!
Finally, in case you didn't know, Wendy is McDonald's wife.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Dog Food and Such
So much has happened since my last post. Perfectionism tempts me to remain silent until I can properly catch up, but my kids continue to provide new material. Here's a few funny tidbits until I can get back in the swing of things:
Would You Pay for This Experience?
Kevin took us all out to dinner last night at a local seafood place. My son fell asleep in the van on the way there and had about a twenty minute nap. It is never a good thing when he awakens from these short excursions into REM. I thought Davey Jones had taken the helm by the time we were seated.
The waitress was kind and tried to stop the crying. Of course, the girls could not be outdone, so Audrey refused to go into the high chair and Katie spilled a full glass of Diet Coke all over the table and floor. But the Kind Waitress prevailed by serving hush puppies almost immediately. Munching replaced the tears and screams.
When we were about to leave, Owen asked, "Daddy? May I have some more...dog...food?" (Dog food = Hush puppies) *giggle*
Smells Like a Good One!
Last week's holiday afforded some Hinton family snuggle time. One morning Katie came and got into bed with Kevin and me. After all the usual morning conversation about dreams and such, Katie informed us that she knew how she was going to pick her husband. Her plan is to "line them all up and see what they smell like." The one who smells the best will win her hand in marriage. Kevin asked what she'd do if there was a very kind, handsome man who smelled like a girl. She quickly replied that she'd just have him lift up his neck so she could wipe the girl smell off, and then she'd give him some good-smelling man perfume.
She's Gonna Love This When She's Older
So, what do YOU do if you are picking your nose in your car and discover you have no tissue? (Please, this is RHETORICAL, people.) Katie has the answer. She informed me last week that she had "picked out a booger and then put it back."
Super Hyper
*NOTE - The views expressed by Katie Hinton do not reflect the doctrinal views of her family or church home.*
Katie would NOT eat her dinner one night. I began to talk to her about how she was being ungrateful and disrespectful as her refusal was also very, ahem, vocal. To which she replied, "It's OKAY, Mama. It's okay if I eat like this." I asked why she thought it was okay for her to complain about her dinner every night. Her answer? "Because Jesus made me a sinner!" My friend Chris said she bet I was digging out that catechism book! Actually, I was so distracted with correcting her that I think she got out of eating her veggies. Don't worry, Katie honey. I am onto you!
Would You Pay for This Experience?
Kevin took us all out to dinner last night at a local seafood place. My son fell asleep in the van on the way there and had about a twenty minute nap. It is never a good thing when he awakens from these short excursions into REM. I thought Davey Jones had taken the helm by the time we were seated.
The waitress was kind and tried to stop the crying. Of course, the girls could not be outdone, so Audrey refused to go into the high chair and Katie spilled a full glass of Diet Coke all over the table and floor. But the Kind Waitress prevailed by serving hush puppies almost immediately. Munching replaced the tears and screams.
When we were about to leave, Owen asked, "Daddy? May I have some more...dog...food?" (Dog food = Hush puppies) *giggle*
Smells Like a Good One!
Last week's holiday afforded some Hinton family snuggle time. One morning Katie came and got into bed with Kevin and me. After all the usual morning conversation about dreams and such, Katie informed us that she knew how she was going to pick her husband. Her plan is to "line them all up and see what they smell like." The one who smells the best will win her hand in marriage. Kevin asked what she'd do if there was a very kind, handsome man who smelled like a girl. She quickly replied that she'd just have him lift up his neck so she could wipe the girl smell off, and then she'd give him some good-smelling man perfume.
She's Gonna Love This When She's Older
So, what do YOU do if you are picking your nose in your car and discover you have no tissue? (Please, this is RHETORICAL, people.) Katie has the answer. She informed me last week that she had "picked out a booger and then put it back."
Super Hyper
*NOTE - The views expressed by Katie Hinton do not reflect the doctrinal views of her family or church home.*
Katie would NOT eat her dinner one night. I began to talk to her about how she was being ungrateful and disrespectful as her refusal was also very, ahem, vocal. To which she replied, "It's OKAY, Mama. It's okay if I eat like this." I asked why she thought it was okay for her to complain about her dinner every night. Her answer? "Because Jesus made me a sinner!" My friend Chris said she bet I was digging out that catechism book! Actually, I was so distracted with correcting her that I think she got out of eating her veggies. Don't worry, Katie honey. I am onto you!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Turtles, Chicks, and School Buses!
Last night we had a friend over for dinner. Her husband is in Nigeria on a mission trip and we thought she could use the diversion. For dessert we had Edwards' Turtle Pie. YUM! Owen's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw it...until his daddy had to go and ruin it for him.
"Owen, this is Turtle Pie. It has turtles in it. See? Those are the shells. And there's the guts."
Owey wouldn't touch it. Kevin laughed a diabolical laugh and informed us that his plan had worked. More for him!
Later, Kevin felt guilty and tried to get Owen to eat some of it. The boy kept looking at the side of it, asking, "Is dem duh tuttle guts?"
Mean ol' daddy. Of course I can't say much.
Tonight Katie asked, "Mama, why are there two kinds of chicken eggs? You know, one has some egg in it we eat, and the other has a baby chick."
I so did NOT want to go into the whole fertilization thing so I just told her, "Well, if you want a chick, you leave the egg under the mama hen so she can keep it warm. And if you want an egg to eat, you take it out from under her and put it in the refrigerator."
Bad answer. I realized this about the time Katie's bottom lip started trembling. Her eyes filled with tears...."You mean we EAT THE BABY CHICKS?!??!?!"
Niiiiice.
On a more random note, it takes just about eight minutes to get from my house to Katie's art class. Two minutes of that is spent on my street. When I turn onto the main road into town, it's usually about 2:50 in the afternoon. Want to guess how many school buses we pass during the next six minutes?
TWENTY FOUR.
Amazing. I could say a lot more about this but will skip it in leu of going to hang out with Kevin.
"Owen, this is Turtle Pie. It has turtles in it. See? Those are the shells. And there's the guts."
Owey wouldn't touch it. Kevin laughed a diabolical laugh and informed us that his plan had worked. More for him!
Later, Kevin felt guilty and tried to get Owen to eat some of it. The boy kept looking at the side of it, asking, "Is dem duh tuttle guts?"
Mean ol' daddy. Of course I can't say much.
Tonight Katie asked, "Mama, why are there two kinds of chicken eggs? You know, one has some egg in it we eat, and the other has a baby chick."
I so did NOT want to go into the whole fertilization thing so I just told her, "Well, if you want a chick, you leave the egg under the mama hen so she can keep it warm. And if you want an egg to eat, you take it out from under her and put it in the refrigerator."
Bad answer. I realized this about the time Katie's bottom lip started trembling. Her eyes filled with tears...."You mean we EAT THE BABY CHICKS?!??!?!"
Niiiiice.
On a more random note, it takes just about eight minutes to get from my house to Katie's art class. Two minutes of that is spent on my street. When I turn onto the main road into town, it's usually about 2:50 in the afternoon. Want to guess how many school buses we pass during the next six minutes?
TWENTY FOUR.
Amazing. I could say a lot more about this but will skip it in leu of going to hang out with Kevin.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Girl Talk
I usually do not lack for funny stories about Owen. He is a fountain of perpetual amusement. He did say something funny a couple of days ago but I didn't write it down and it just flew out of my head. So tonight I'll just have some "girl talk."
Our homeschool group had a Presidential Hall of Fame and Election Day. My job was to make ballots. And like a good citizen, I made sure that our ballots listed any candidate who made the national ticket. I showed my finished results to Katie:
"Look, here are all the people running for president. Tomorrow you will get to decide who you think should lead us and cast your vote. Do you know who you would like to vote for?"
"I'm voting for Bob Barr because he has two B names."
"Um, okay. Bob Barr is the Libertarian candidate. Do you want to know what he believes?"
"No, I just like his two B's."
True to form, when Katie went in to vote she did not even let Teresa finish explaining before she had made a big "X" for Bob.
For several weeks, Katie has been ending many of her sentences with "....that is." Today she was telling me about something and said, "...and it was red. Red like a rose, that is. Mama? Why do some people say, 'that is' all the time?" I don't know, girl. You tell me!
One last Katie story. I am not sure what to do with this because it is really weird. Katie "sees" different keys (music) as colors. She told Kevin that he was playing a song in yellow and that she wanted it in red. Kevin and I rolled our eyes at each other...until she was turned away from the guitar and could fairly accurately tell us which "color" Kevin was playing. (If anyone has heard of this, I'd like to hear about it!)
And finally, Audrey. She just roams around the house all day, seeking what she may destroy. She pulls clothes from drawers, dishes from cabinets, books from shelves - all in a matter of ten minutes!
Today she was SO funny. During breakfast we go over the catechism. Katie is on a question somewhere in the 60's. Owen is closing in on 20. Audrey? Well, she knows the first one! If you ask her, "Audrey, who made you?" she answers, "Gaaaaah!" This morning I pushed it a bit further. "Audrey, what else did God make?" Her answer? She looked very serious, straight into my eyes, and said, "Grablah plamba blab." I went on to the next question and she responded straightfaced with more gibberish. Katie and Owen were laughing so hard! Here is a picture of Audrey with a bad hair day. (I suppose I need to do something about her mullet sometime, huh?)
Our homeschool group had a Presidential Hall of Fame and Election Day. My job was to make ballots. And like a good citizen, I made sure that our ballots listed any candidate who made the national ticket. I showed my finished results to Katie:
"Look, here are all the people running for president. Tomorrow you will get to decide who you think should lead us and cast your vote. Do you know who you would like to vote for?"
"I'm voting for Bob Barr because he has two B names."
"Um, okay. Bob Barr is the Libertarian candidate. Do you want to know what he believes?"
"No, I just like his two B's."
True to form, when Katie went in to vote she did not even let Teresa finish explaining before she had made a big "X" for Bob.
For several weeks, Katie has been ending many of her sentences with "....that is." Today she was telling me about something and said, "...and it was red. Red like a rose, that is. Mama? Why do some people say, 'that is' all the time?" I don't know, girl. You tell me!
One last Katie story. I am not sure what to do with this because it is really weird. Katie "sees" different keys (music) as colors. She told Kevin that he was playing a song in yellow and that she wanted it in red. Kevin and I rolled our eyes at each other...until she was turned away from the guitar and could fairly accurately tell us which "color" Kevin was playing. (If anyone has heard of this, I'd like to hear about it!)
And finally, Audrey. She just roams around the house all day, seeking what she may destroy. She pulls clothes from drawers, dishes from cabinets, books from shelves - all in a matter of ten minutes!
Today she was SO funny. During breakfast we go over the catechism. Katie is on a question somewhere in the 60's. Owen is closing in on 20. Audrey? Well, she knows the first one! If you ask her, "Audrey, who made you?" she answers, "Gaaaaah!" This morning I pushed it a bit further. "Audrey, what else did God make?" Her answer? She looked very serious, straight into my eyes, and said, "Grablah plamba blab." I went on to the next question and she responded straightfaced with more gibberish. Katie and Owen were laughing so hard! Here is a picture of Audrey with a bad hair day. (I suppose I need to do something about her mullet sometime, huh?)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Everyday Providence
Katie
Background: This afternoon, Katie was “skiing” on the kitchen floor in her socks. She abruptly ran into Owen’s room…
K - Owen, do you want to ski with me?
O - No, I don’t.
(Insert more attempts at convincing Owen, escalating into louder and louder conversation. I‘d type it but I was trying to ignore it at the time.)
K - Owen, you are going to grow up to be a BAD MAN and no girls will marry you because you are SO SELFISH!
(Katie then runs into the living room to persuade me to help her get her way.)
K - Mama, Owen does NOT love God. I mean it! He does NOT! You need to go in there and talk to him about it!
J - I don’t think that Owen said that, Katie. Go back and work it out yourself, the RIGHT way.
(Katie returns to Owen’s room, speaking sweetly but urgently.)
K - Tell me if you really hate God. Just tell me. OWEN! Do you hate God?
O - No. I wike God.
K - If you love God, would you please ski with me?
O - I wike God, but I do not want to ski.
(She finally gives up.)
Owen
Background - Owen loves Looney Tunes, especially the one where Yosemite Sam is in the desert, riding that camel. “Whoa, camel! Whoa! When I say whoa, I mean WHOA!”
Owen, to Audrey, who was grabbing his Hot Wheels cars: “No, Audrey, no! When I say no, I mean NO!”
You know it’s bad when…
I saw the lady who cuts my hair in Wal-Mart last weekend. As she checked out, she gave me a big smile and said hello. I returned the greeting, then told her it was about time for me to come in for a hair cut. She then abruptly turned to the cashier and never did look back at me. At first I thought that she must have been in a hurry. But back home, after catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realized the awful truth. SHE WAS IGNORING ME BECAUSE SHE DID NOT WANT ANYONE TO THINK SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WAS GROWING FROM MY SCALP.
What do you do when you’ve had stick-straight hair your whole life but after baby #3 it turns into a frizzy, curly mess? And don’t tell me to stop washing it. I already tried that and it just became a frizzy, curly, dirty mess. Although I will say that through that little escapade I realized I was washing it way too much. Still, I think I had better dig in my heels and keep growing it out. It does need a trim, but maybe I can hold out until Herbal Essences sends me my free haircut voucher.
Background: This afternoon, Katie was “skiing” on the kitchen floor in her socks. She abruptly ran into Owen’s room…
K - Owen, do you want to ski with me?
O - No, I don’t.
(Insert more attempts at convincing Owen, escalating into louder and louder conversation. I‘d type it but I was trying to ignore it at the time.)
K - Owen, you are going to grow up to be a BAD MAN and no girls will marry you because you are SO SELFISH!
(Katie then runs into the living room to persuade me to help her get her way.)
K - Mama, Owen does NOT love God. I mean it! He does NOT! You need to go in there and talk to him about it!
J - I don’t think that Owen said that, Katie. Go back and work it out yourself, the RIGHT way.
(Katie returns to Owen’s room, speaking sweetly but urgently.)
K - Tell me if you really hate God. Just tell me. OWEN! Do you hate God?
O - No. I wike God.
K - If you love God, would you please ski with me?
O - I wike God, but I do not want to ski.
(She finally gives up.)
Owen
Background - Owen loves Looney Tunes, especially the one where Yosemite Sam is in the desert, riding that camel. “Whoa, camel! Whoa! When I say whoa, I mean WHOA!”
Owen, to Audrey, who was grabbing his Hot Wheels cars: “No, Audrey, no! When I say no, I mean NO!”
You know it’s bad when…
I saw the lady who cuts my hair in Wal-Mart last weekend. As she checked out, she gave me a big smile and said hello. I returned the greeting, then told her it was about time for me to come in for a hair cut. She then abruptly turned to the cashier and never did look back at me. At first I thought that she must have been in a hurry. But back home, after catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realized the awful truth. SHE WAS IGNORING ME BECAUSE SHE DID NOT WANT ANYONE TO THINK SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WAS GROWING FROM MY SCALP.
What do you do when you’ve had stick-straight hair your whole life but after baby #3 it turns into a frizzy, curly mess? And don’t tell me to stop washing it. I already tried that and it just became a frizzy, curly, dirty mess. Although I will say that through that little escapade I realized I was washing it way too much. Still, I think I had better dig in my heels and keep growing it out. It does need a trim, but maybe I can hold out until Herbal Essences sends me my free haircut voucher.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Katie's Art
Two things of note have happened in the Hinton home recently. The first is my husband's purchase of Adobe Photoshop for yours truly. This was a thoughtful gift as I'm the "webservant" for the church, and he also knows I like to blog.
The second exciting news is that Katie has "graduated" from sketching to oil pastels in art class. She loved art class before. But give the girl some color and she is beyond happy!
So, tying these two together, here are some of Katie's recent masterpieces. This fall picture was the last of her sketch projects. I do not know how much help she had with it.
This beautiful sunset was her first pastel piece. The teacher said she had to outline some of it for Katie, but that Katie had done the fill-in and detail work:
And finally, her picture from today. Her teacher told me that Katie drew this herself. Great job, sweet girl!
Edited to add:
Katie also won first place at the Mid-South Home Educators Art Show, which in turn sent her work to the Mid-South Fair. Although she is aware of the fact that she was the only Kindergartener who participated - a win by default - she was still very excited to see her house and barn sketch up on the wall at the fair!
The second exciting news is that Katie has "graduated" from sketching to oil pastels in art class. She loved art class before. But give the girl some color and she is beyond happy!
So, tying these two together, here are some of Katie's recent masterpieces. This fall picture was the last of her sketch projects. I do not know how much help she had with it.
This beautiful sunset was her first pastel piece. The teacher said she had to outline some of it for Katie, but that Katie had done the fill-in and detail work:
And finally, her picture from today. Her teacher told me that Katie drew this herself. Great job, sweet girl!
Edited to add:
Katie also won first place at the Mid-South Home Educators Art Show, which in turn sent her work to the Mid-South Fair. Although she is aware of the fact that she was the only Kindergartener who participated - a win by default - she was still very excited to see her house and barn sketch up on the wall at the fair!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Kid Speak
Owenisms
“I mean…..”
Ex. “Owen, please get your First Thousand Words book.”
“I mean this one?”
“Yes, Owen, I mean that one.”
Panyo - piano
He also uses the word “hilarious.” “Mama, Tommy Jerry is hi-wa-wi-ous.”
And he is in love with Kathleen Fisher. He calls her Baby Taf-a-ween.
I told the kids to do their morning chores and Owen said he was done. Then Katie said, "Ooops! I need to brush my hair!" He said, "Me, too!" and ran off. When he came back he said, "Mama, you look me han'some?" And gave me a huge, cheesy grin.
Yes, Owen my love. I look you han'some.
Katie
The Best Part of Wakin’ Up
Katie likes to sleep late. She told me, “Maybe I should get a drink of coffee so I can wake up better.”
Who Knew You Could Get So Much from One Commercial?
Katie: Mama, Family Matters is sooooo funny, isn’t it?
Me: Did you watch it or just see the commercial?
K: Just the commercial. The boy on there is named Erick-al. He calls the girl “Angel Lips.” Isn’t that funny, Mama?
M: Yes, it is!
K (with her hand beside her mouth, whispering, like she’s telling a secret): Erick-al wants to be her BOYFRIEND! (hand down, out loud) But she doesn’t want him to be her boyfriend.
M: Why not?
K: She just wants him to be her FRIEND, but not her BOYFRIEND.
(K thinks a while….)
K: Erick-al is kinda clumsy, you know?
M: What does he do?
K (long, long sigh….) I just don’t know!
(K thinks a while….)
K: But he has a cowboy outfit and then he puts his hand on the fake door and it falls, and that’s kinda clumsy, right, Mama?
M: Right!
Giant of the Reformation
Katie is studying Martin Luther. The first page has that big head picture of Luther with the title, “Martin Luther - Giant of the Reformation.” When I turned to the page, I noticed Katie’s eyes bugging out. So I had to explain that he wasn’t a REAL giant. When Kevin came home, Katie told him that Marvin Luther got struck by lightening. Then she sold Kevin an indulgence for a dollar.
“I mean…..”
Ex. “Owen, please get your First Thousand Words book.”
“I mean this one?”
“Yes, Owen, I mean that one.”
Panyo - piano
He also uses the word “hilarious.” “Mama, Tommy Jerry is hi-wa-wi-ous.”
And he is in love with Kathleen Fisher. He calls her Baby Taf-a-ween.
I told the kids to do their morning chores and Owen said he was done. Then Katie said, "Ooops! I need to brush my hair!" He said, "Me, too!" and ran off. When he came back he said, "Mama, you look me han'some?" And gave me a huge, cheesy grin.
Yes, Owen my love. I look you han'some.
Katie
The Best Part of Wakin’ Up
Katie likes to sleep late. She told me, “Maybe I should get a drink of coffee so I can wake up better.”
Who Knew You Could Get So Much from One Commercial?
Katie: Mama, Family Matters is sooooo funny, isn’t it?
Me: Did you watch it or just see the commercial?
K: Just the commercial. The boy on there is named Erick-al. He calls the girl “Angel Lips.” Isn’t that funny, Mama?
M: Yes, it is!
K (with her hand beside her mouth, whispering, like she’s telling a secret): Erick-al wants to be her BOYFRIEND! (hand down, out loud) But she doesn’t want him to be her boyfriend.
M: Why not?
K: She just wants him to be her FRIEND, but not her BOYFRIEND.
(K thinks a while….)
K: Erick-al is kinda clumsy, you know?
M: What does he do?
K (long, long sigh….) I just don’t know!
(K thinks a while….)
K: But he has a cowboy outfit and then he puts his hand on the fake door and it falls, and that’s kinda clumsy, right, Mama?
M: Right!
Giant of the Reformation
Katie is studying Martin Luther. The first page has that big head picture of Luther with the title, “Martin Luther - Giant of the Reformation.” When I turned to the page, I noticed Katie’s eyes bugging out. So I had to explain that he wasn’t a REAL giant. When Kevin came home, Katie told him that Marvin Luther got struck by lightening. Then she sold Kevin an indulgence for a dollar.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Something a Bit Nicer To Look At
Owen in-utero
Katie, about the same time
My favorite newborn picture of Owen
Katie and Mommy goofing off
Beautiful Katie
Katie and Cousin Ana
Owen in his woolies
Owen's first oatmeal
My Babies
The Great Turkey Race
Kevin's Turkey
Lots 'O Turkeys
Two Butterballs
Katie trimming the Christmas tree
Katie, about the same time
My favorite newborn picture of Owen
Katie and Mommy goofing off
Beautiful Katie
Katie and Cousin Ana
Owen in his woolies
Owen's first oatmeal
My Babies
The Great Turkey Race
Kevin's Turkey
Lots 'O Turkeys
Two Butterballs
Katie trimming the Christmas tree
Monday, November 21, 2005
Everyday Providence
Rustic Pine Fence
I really hate this fence that a guy down the road made. He chopped down a row of pine trees that were just off the road. But he left big stumps, around three feet high. Then he cut all the branches off of the top part of the trees and nailed them to the top of the stumps. It looks terrible!
Very Fishy
And speaking of things that get on my nerves, I really dislike the broken fish mail box that someone down the road from me owns. It looks like that "Big Mouth Billy the Bass" singing thing that Grandpa Oakman bought.
Katie
I have been thinking more about Katie's personality lately. It is a lot like mine. Neither of us like new things. I like to watch people play a game for a bit before I join in. I want to practice before I sing in front of people. Katie doesn't like the doctor or getting her picture made. She won't even try fun things until she feels it is "safe." When we go to the park, she tells me she is scared of the other kids, but after she watches for a bit she is right in there with them. She wouldn't even eat some Jello jigglers we made the other day until she watched me eat a couple.
I really hate this fence that a guy down the road made. He chopped down a row of pine trees that were just off the road. But he left big stumps, around three feet high. Then he cut all the branches off of the top part of the trees and nailed them to the top of the stumps. It looks terrible!
Very Fishy
And speaking of things that get on my nerves, I really dislike the broken fish mail box that someone down the road from me owns. It looks like that "Big Mouth Billy the Bass" singing thing that Grandpa Oakman bought.
Katie
I have been thinking more about Katie's personality lately. It is a lot like mine. Neither of us like new things. I like to watch people play a game for a bit before I join in. I want to practice before I sing in front of people. Katie doesn't like the doctor or getting her picture made. She won't even try fun things until she feels it is "safe." When we go to the park, she tells me she is scared of the other kids, but after she watches for a bit she is right in there with them. She wouldn't even eat some Jello jigglers we made the other day until she watched me eat a couple.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Feet Washing
I was trying to type out an email to my friend Lee Anne about the Shepherding a Child's Heart book when what should I discover in the bathroom? My dear daughter Katie sitting on the toilet with her feet in the bowl. How ironic. I would have spanked her but I was laughing too hard.
Yesterday we tried "take two" of getting pictures made, since Katie melted down at the last one we tried. She didn't dissapoint this time, either. We started with a bang - she howled in Grandma's arms while everyone offered her candy and suckers. We finally got a couple of cute pictures, though.
Yesterday we tried "take two" of getting pictures made, since Katie melted down at the last one we tried. She didn't dissapoint this time, either. We started with a bang - she howled in Grandma's arms while everyone offered her candy and suckers. We finally got a couple of cute pictures, though.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Katie the Brain
Good morning!
Okay, so I get to brag in my journal, right?
Katie knew her colors, shapes, numbers to 12, and all uppercase letters several months before she turned two. Now she knows upper and lowercase letters, numbers 1-14 and 20-29. She knows all the sounds that the letters make and can tell me words that start with those letters. She will randomly say "B is for ball! B is for bear! RAAAAAA!" and they aren't always even the same words.
She is completely potty trained, day and night, and can use the potty by herself if the light is on.
She not only draws faces with eyes, nose, ears, hair, and mouth, she is now drawing bodies, too. With arms and legs. I should take a picture of one. She does all of this totally by herself. I didn't even show her any of it beyond a face with eyes, nose and mouth.
And then this weekend I bought a workbook for ages 2-5. It is the first in a series that starts with tracing and drawing straight lines. The front of the book tells you to use a real pencil and teach them to hold it correctly. She held the pencil right on the first try and even later, when she was freehand drawing, I noticed that she was still holding it right - with no instruction!
The first two pages of the workbook had her draw a line from one animal to another, going around stumps and rocks. She had to draw curvy lines to do this. She never messed up. Then on the back of the two sheets she had to draw straight lines from one animal to the next. She did all that right, too.
Okay, I will stop there. I could go on and on! I am so proud of her. Now if she would only obey better. LOL!
Okay, so I get to brag in my journal, right?
Katie knew her colors, shapes, numbers to 12, and all uppercase letters several months before she turned two. Now she knows upper and lowercase letters, numbers 1-14 and 20-29. She knows all the sounds that the letters make and can tell me words that start with those letters. She will randomly say "B is for ball! B is for bear! RAAAAAA!" and they aren't always even the same words.
She is completely potty trained, day and night, and can use the potty by herself if the light is on.
She not only draws faces with eyes, nose, ears, hair, and mouth, she is now drawing bodies, too. With arms and legs. I should take a picture of one. She does all of this totally by herself. I didn't even show her any of it beyond a face with eyes, nose and mouth.
And then this weekend I bought a workbook for ages 2-5. It is the first in a series that starts with tracing and drawing straight lines. The front of the book tells you to use a real pencil and teach them to hold it correctly. She held the pencil right on the first try and even later, when she was freehand drawing, I noticed that she was still holding it right - with no instruction!
The first two pages of the workbook had her draw a line from one animal to another, going around stumps and rocks. She had to draw curvy lines to do this. She never messed up. Then on the back of the two sheets she had to draw straight lines from one animal to the next. She did all that right, too.
Okay, I will stop there. I could go on and on! I am so proud of her. Now if she would only obey better. LOL!
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Everyday Providence
Yesterday went quite well. My father-in-law came through the surgery just fine. He even weaned himself off the walker the last few days so that he can get by on his cane. So my responsibilities were basically to be his driver and to keep him company until he went into surgery. Then I just sat around and waited, and kept my mother-in-law and Kevin updated. Thank you to anyone who was praying for me. It certainly helped.
Today Kevin is off work. He just needed a break from all the extra stuff he has had to do at work lately. Unfortunately, Katie was complaining about her ear yesterday so we had to take her to the doctor this morning. That was FUN. HA! First of all, she had a TON of earwax in both ears. I guess I could hope that this is why she doesn't always obey - she can't hear me. (Yeah, right!) Seriously, they cleaned it out with a water pick, which was pure trauma for a two-year-old. I was so thankful that Kevin was there! He basically laid on top of her and I held her head down. After they cleaned her ears, the doctor looked in and said that she did have an infection in her right ear. This explains her poor sleep schedule lately. We thought she might be having nightmares, but I think it was just that she was hurting. Poor baby!
Now that the trauma is over, Katie and Kevin are taking a little nap together. Then we are going to see Mrs. Audrey after lunch. She is a lady (about my mom's age) that I used to "nanny" for when I was in high school and college. She has a husband who travels for work, she has six children, and she home schools, so they hired me to help with the little ones and the housework while she taught the school-aged kids. It was a great job and I learned a lot from her that I didn't even know I learned until I had kids of my own! I tell you, between her and my mom (I have six younger siblings and we were also home schooled), I was well-prepared for running a house and raising children!
Since Sunday is Mother's Day, I want to say that I really am thankful for my own mama. She taught me how to cook, sew, take care of babies, balance a checkbook...I could go on and on.
Then tonight my parents are taking me out for a late birthday dinner. That will be really nice.
Kevin had an extra check this month. I try to keep our bills going so that they get paid earlier and earlier in the month (he gets paid every other week). That way, when there are three paydays in a month, we have a whole check clear (except for groceries, gas and our lawn guy). So tomorrow we get to go shop for some things we need for our outside - deck wash and sealant, pool supplies, etc. It is a nice feeling to have some spending money! It has been tight around here since I had to cancel voice lessons. That was our "fun" money. But we still can't complain, because we are well-fed, clothed, and all the bills are being paid on time! Plus I get to stay home with my babies!
Okay, I need to go type the bulletin while they are napping. I think I have everything else (work-wise) done as of Wednesday so I can enjoy Kevin's time off with him.
Today Kevin is off work. He just needed a break from all the extra stuff he has had to do at work lately. Unfortunately, Katie was complaining about her ear yesterday so we had to take her to the doctor this morning. That was FUN. HA! First of all, she had a TON of earwax in both ears. I guess I could hope that this is why she doesn't always obey - she can't hear me. (Yeah, right!) Seriously, they cleaned it out with a water pick, which was pure trauma for a two-year-old. I was so thankful that Kevin was there! He basically laid on top of her and I held her head down. After they cleaned her ears, the doctor looked in and said that she did have an infection in her right ear. This explains her poor sleep schedule lately. We thought she might be having nightmares, but I think it was just that she was hurting. Poor baby!
Now that the trauma is over, Katie and Kevin are taking a little nap together. Then we are going to see Mrs. Audrey after lunch. She is a lady (about my mom's age) that I used to "nanny" for when I was in high school and college. She has a husband who travels for work, she has six children, and she home schools, so they hired me to help with the little ones and the housework while she taught the school-aged kids. It was a great job and I learned a lot from her that I didn't even know I learned until I had kids of my own! I tell you, between her and my mom (I have six younger siblings and we were also home schooled), I was well-prepared for running a house and raising children!
Since Sunday is Mother's Day, I want to say that I really am thankful for my own mama. She taught me how to cook, sew, take care of babies, balance a checkbook...I could go on and on.
Then tonight my parents are taking me out for a late birthday dinner. That will be really nice.
Kevin had an extra check this month. I try to keep our bills going so that they get paid earlier and earlier in the month (he gets paid every other week). That way, when there are three paydays in a month, we have a whole check clear (except for groceries, gas and our lawn guy). So tomorrow we get to go shop for some things we need for our outside - deck wash and sealant, pool supplies, etc. It is a nice feeling to have some spending money! It has been tight around here since I had to cancel voice lessons. That was our "fun" money. But we still can't complain, because we are well-fed, clothed, and all the bills are being paid on time! Plus I get to stay home with my babies!
Okay, I need to go type the bulletin while they are napping. I think I have everything else (work-wise) done as of Wednesday so I can enjoy Kevin's time off with him.
Friday, May 6, 2005
How Katie and Owen Came To Be
Kevin and I were married in January of 1997. We have always loved children and have always wanted children of our own. We finished college and got our start in life; then after two years of marriage we felt that it was time to grow our family.
We began trying to conceive our first child in November 1998. We were so excited! Because I have six siblings I knew that it would be no time before I got pregnant.
The excitement soon gave way to worry. Although we thought that something must be wrong, we were advised that it is not uncommon to take up to a year to conceive a first child. We had also heard that the doctors usually won't see you until you have tried for a year and then they usually suggest charting (which I was already doing, so I would be "one up" on that doctor!). After the first full year, I made an appointment with my OB/GYN to see if he could help us.
The OB/GYN ordered routine exams for Kevin and me. All my tests came back fine. Kevin's test came back with slight problems. So that was it! The OB/GYN referred Kevin to another doctor and more tests were run. The results came back the same and the doctor said Kevin would need surgery.
Then providence stepped in. The doctor that Kevin was seeing dropped our insurance. We had to find another one and when we did, he was wonderful! He was very thorough and insisted on having Kevin do more testing, which ruled out the surgery. We were thrilled at the good news, but also devastated because of all the wasted time. Plus we were now back to "unexplained."
So in January of 2001, over two years since we first began our journey, we were finally sent to the fertility clinic. We then both went through a huge battery of tests, all of which came back normal. The RE gave us a 1% chance of conceiving on our own. We were almost at the three-year mark, and nothing wrong had been found. Our final plan was to try a cycle of 25mg of Clomid to see how I responded to a lower dose; then I would have a laparoscopy. If I wasn't pregnant by January 1st, we would give up the dream of pregnancy and pursue adoption.
I never got to that laparoscopy. I took a home pregnancy test on September 7th, and it was positive. We couldn't believe it. But our joy was short lived. On September 11th (that famous day of the terrorist attacks), I got the horrible news that the baby would not live. That was one of the worst days of my life. I was in the waiting room when someone rushed out and turned on the TV. We watched in horror as the first tower was burning. As the nurse called me back and told me that my beta levels were going down, she was looking over my shoulder. I remember her saying, “Oh, they just hit the second tower!” That whole day seems like a dream now.
It took three more weeks before I actually lost the baby. That was probably the most difficult time of my life. Kevin and I simply cried and wondered what to do next. But God and time heals everything. So in November I finally had my laparoscopy, along with a hysteroscopy and a D&C. That was it. There was not one more test that could be done on either of us. That in itself was a true victory.
Then, on December 21st, 2001, I found out that I was once again pregnant. Of course, I had the fear (and signs) that I would again miscarry. Then at 17 dpo, my hCG levels were 880. Two days later, at 19 dpo, they were 2454. We were so thankful! We did nothing different than we have done for the past 3 years.
Katie was born on September 1st, 2002. She is the joy of my life.
When Katie was 11 months old, I found out that I was pregnant again – this time it was just so easy! I announced my pregnancy to Kevin and to my family at Katie’s birthday party. But once again God decided that it was not meant to be, and we lost that baby on October 3rd, 2003.
For fourteen months we waited and prayed for a sibling for Katie. It was much different this time. Yes, Katie made things easier. I had a child to hold and love (and she is so sweet!). But the main reason that it was easier was because of all that I learned when trying to conceive Katie. I learned that God is in control. He has already blessed me far beyond what I deserve. I knew that if I never had another child, I could rest in the promise that He knows what is best for me. On my bad days I still doubted His plan, but inside I knew that He is wiser than I am.
And once again, God has blessed us. Owen Michael is due on July 13th of this year (2005). I do not know at this point if we will be blessed with more children. I struggle with the fact that it does take a long time for us to conceive, and I have a very hard time with my pregnancies. It isn’t much fun to throw up all day and night for 20 weeks, or to be on IV fluids just to live. But I still see children as a wonderful blessing and hope that I am able to be a godly mother to the two He has entrusted me with at this point. Soli Deo gloria!
We began trying to conceive our first child in November 1998. We were so excited! Because I have six siblings I knew that it would be no time before I got pregnant.
The excitement soon gave way to worry. Although we thought that something must be wrong, we were advised that it is not uncommon to take up to a year to conceive a first child. We had also heard that the doctors usually won't see you until you have tried for a year and then they usually suggest charting (which I was already doing, so I would be "one up" on that doctor!). After the first full year, I made an appointment with my OB/GYN to see if he could help us.
The OB/GYN ordered routine exams for Kevin and me. All my tests came back fine. Kevin's test came back with slight problems. So that was it! The OB/GYN referred Kevin to another doctor and more tests were run. The results came back the same and the doctor said Kevin would need surgery.
Then providence stepped in. The doctor that Kevin was seeing dropped our insurance. We had to find another one and when we did, he was wonderful! He was very thorough and insisted on having Kevin do more testing, which ruled out the surgery. We were thrilled at the good news, but also devastated because of all the wasted time. Plus we were now back to "unexplained."
So in January of 2001, over two years since we first began our journey, we were finally sent to the fertility clinic. We then both went through a huge battery of tests, all of which came back normal. The RE gave us a 1% chance of conceiving on our own. We were almost at the three-year mark, and nothing wrong had been found. Our final plan was to try a cycle of 25mg of Clomid to see how I responded to a lower dose; then I would have a laparoscopy. If I wasn't pregnant by January 1st, we would give up the dream of pregnancy and pursue adoption.
I never got to that laparoscopy. I took a home pregnancy test on September 7th, and it was positive. We couldn't believe it. But our joy was short lived. On September 11th (that famous day of the terrorist attacks), I got the horrible news that the baby would not live. That was one of the worst days of my life. I was in the waiting room when someone rushed out and turned on the TV. We watched in horror as the first tower was burning. As the nurse called me back and told me that my beta levels were going down, she was looking over my shoulder. I remember her saying, “Oh, they just hit the second tower!” That whole day seems like a dream now.
It took three more weeks before I actually lost the baby. That was probably the most difficult time of my life. Kevin and I simply cried and wondered what to do next. But God and time heals everything. So in November I finally had my laparoscopy, along with a hysteroscopy and a D&C. That was it. There was not one more test that could be done on either of us. That in itself was a true victory.
Then, on December 21st, 2001, I found out that I was once again pregnant. Of course, I had the fear (and signs) that I would again miscarry. Then at 17 dpo, my hCG levels were 880. Two days later, at 19 dpo, they were 2454. We were so thankful! We did nothing different than we have done for the past 3 years.
Katie was born on September 1st, 2002. She is the joy of my life.
When Katie was 11 months old, I found out that I was pregnant again – this time it was just so easy! I announced my pregnancy to Kevin and to my family at Katie’s birthday party. But once again God decided that it was not meant to be, and we lost that baby on October 3rd, 2003.
For fourteen months we waited and prayed for a sibling for Katie. It was much different this time. Yes, Katie made things easier. I had a child to hold and love (and she is so sweet!). But the main reason that it was easier was because of all that I learned when trying to conceive Katie. I learned that God is in control. He has already blessed me far beyond what I deserve. I knew that if I never had another child, I could rest in the promise that He knows what is best for me. On my bad days I still doubted His plan, but inside I knew that He is wiser than I am.
And once again, God has blessed us. Owen Michael is due on July 13th of this year (2005). I do not know at this point if we will be blessed with more children. I struggle with the fact that it does take a long time for us to conceive, and I have a very hard time with my pregnancies. It isn’t much fun to throw up all day and night for 20 weeks, or to be on IV fluids just to live. But I still see children as a wonderful blessing and hope that I am able to be a godly mother to the two He has entrusted me with at this point. Soli Deo gloria!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Everyday Providence
Kevin got home at 10:00 last night, so I didn't put Katie to bed until then. She fell asleep at 11:00. Kevin wasn't tired and had to "wind down," so I stayed up with him and watched the Grizzlies playoff game (at least we only lost by 4 this time instead of 11!). We went to bed at midnight, but then Katie must have had her first nightmare? She is a GREAT sleeper and usually sleeps 10-12 hours straight without waking, but last night she woke up at 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00. Whimpering and crying. She wanted Kevin, and she acted scared. No fever, and she is feeling fine today. So I have no idea. I just know that I am exhausted!
I have been trying to get her to watch less and less TV. She didn't watch any on Tuesday. Yesterday she only watched 30 minutes during the day, but I let her watch about an hour or so last night because Kevin wasn't home and I really needed a break from finding stuff for her to do. I will be glad when this baby gets here and grows up a little, so she will have a playmate. Of course, they will probably fight!
Today I am so tired that she is watching TV right now! Then we will have lunch and NAP. (YES!!!)
I have been trying to get her to watch less and less TV. She didn't watch any on Tuesday. Yesterday she only watched 30 minutes during the day, but I let her watch about an hour or so last night because Kevin wasn't home and I really needed a break from finding stuff for her to do. I will be glad when this baby gets here and grows up a little, so she will have a playmate. Of course, they will probably fight!
Today I am so tired that she is watching TV right now! Then we will have lunch and NAP. (YES!!!)
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Everyday Providence
We are flooded here from lots of rain. But the sun is halfway out today.
Yesterday I just took a break and regrouped from my bad back. As soon as I finish typing this, though, I am going to try the Prenatal Pilates again. I figure you can't take it much easier than that! Can't hurt, might help? I really don't want to just give up altogether. Katie is saying right now, "Find Mama eke-sizes!" because I told her I was gonna do it. I guess she is my motivator...I should tell her every day!
It has been a while (almost two years?) since I discovered FlyLady. I really like that site. I still use it, although I modify it somewhat. Here is my Daily Routine, which I stick to pretty faithfully:
Daily Routine
·Make bed
·Devotions
·Shower and dress to shoes
·Get Katie up and ready (Katie helps make her own bed.)
·Breakfast (We also read a chapter of Proverbs together, go over a catechism question and sing "The B-I-B-L-E" while at the table.)
·Exercise
·Check calendar
·Thaw dinner
·Start laundry (Katie puts clothes in the washer and dryer, and puts in detergent and the Downy ball.)
·Trashes (I check them and take them out if needed.)
·Dishes (Katie sorts the silverware.)
·Zone work (15 minutes of work in current "zone"; this week was the kitchen so for example one day I might wipe out the fridge...)
·Lunch
·Katie's naptime (I lay down with her until she falls asleep, at least while I am pregnant.)
·Finish laundry (Katie puts away her own clothes that go in drawers.)
·Pick up house (toys, etc.)
·Dinner
Katie also sits on the counter and "helps" make the meals about 50% of the time. She likes to dump ingredients and stir, mostly.
Then I have a To Do Weekly list, which I fit in as I want:
To Do – Weekly
·Groceries
·"Home Blessing" (floors, bathrooms and dusting)
·Bills/medical bills/checkbook
Then I have my church responsibilities, which I also fit in as I want:
To Do – Church
·Bulletin (type, copy, and fold...)
·Bible Drill (Plan my lesson.)
·Visitors (Keep track of visitors to the church and send cards.)
·Service music (I plan music out for the service a month in advance and go over what we are doing that week --- I lead the music at our church.)
·Nursery schedule (Yeah, I do that, too!)
·Website (I am not quite finished with it, yet, so I need to do that and then keep it updated.)
·Directory (This is just a current project that will soon be completed; I am making a pictoral directory.)
Between all that, I do stuff with Katie, play on the computer, sew, whatever. I also have stuff that changes from week to week that I add to my list, like yesterday I got my oil changed and visited my FIL in the hospital. Today I am sending out invitations for a Family Group Meeting of church friends at my house (Kevin is an elder and has people he is "over," meaning we talk to them about their needs, vision for things at church, service at church, etc.). I also am going to a children's clothing sale this afternoon, dropping by the dry cleaners, and I have to make a veggie tray for Kevin to take to work tomorrow...
WOAH I am busy! I had better go get my Pilates in!
Yesterday I just took a break and regrouped from my bad back. As soon as I finish typing this, though, I am going to try the Prenatal Pilates again. I figure you can't take it much easier than that! Can't hurt, might help? I really don't want to just give up altogether. Katie is saying right now, "Find Mama eke-sizes!" because I told her I was gonna do it. I guess she is my motivator...I should tell her every day!
It has been a while (almost two years?) since I discovered FlyLady. I really like that site. I still use it, although I modify it somewhat. Here is my Daily Routine, which I stick to pretty faithfully:
Daily Routine
·Make bed
·Devotions
·Shower and dress to shoes
·Get Katie up and ready (Katie helps make her own bed.)
·Breakfast (We also read a chapter of Proverbs together, go over a catechism question and sing "The B-I-B-L-E" while at the table.)
·Exercise
·Check calendar
·Thaw dinner
·Start laundry (Katie puts clothes in the washer and dryer, and puts in detergent and the Downy ball.)
·Trashes (I check them and take them out if needed.)
·Dishes (Katie sorts the silverware.)
·Zone work (15 minutes of work in current "zone"; this week was the kitchen so for example one day I might wipe out the fridge...)
·Lunch
·Katie's naptime (I lay down with her until she falls asleep, at least while I am pregnant.)
·Finish laundry (Katie puts away her own clothes that go in drawers.)
·Pick up house (toys, etc.)
·Dinner
Katie also sits on the counter and "helps" make the meals about 50% of the time. She likes to dump ingredients and stir, mostly.
Then I have a To Do Weekly list, which I fit in as I want:
To Do – Weekly
·Groceries
·"Home Blessing" (floors, bathrooms and dusting)
·Bills/medical bills/checkbook
Then I have my church responsibilities, which I also fit in as I want:
To Do – Church
·Bulletin (type, copy, and fold...)
·Bible Drill (Plan my lesson.)
·Visitors (Keep track of visitors to the church and send cards.)
·Service music (I plan music out for the service a month in advance and go over what we are doing that week --- I lead the music at our church.)
·Nursery schedule (Yeah, I do that, too!)
·Website (I am not quite finished with it, yet, so I need to do that and then keep it updated.)
·Directory (This is just a current project that will soon be completed; I am making a pictoral directory.)
Between all that, I do stuff with Katie, play on the computer, sew, whatever. I also have stuff that changes from week to week that I add to my list, like yesterday I got my oil changed and visited my FIL in the hospital. Today I am sending out invitations for a Family Group Meeting of church friends at my house (Kevin is an elder and has people he is "over," meaning we talk to them about their needs, vision for things at church, service at church, etc.). I also am going to a children's clothing sale this afternoon, dropping by the dry cleaners, and I have to make a veggie tray for Kevin to take to work tomorrow...
WOAH I am busy! I had better go get my Pilates in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)