These Eyes

I love these eyes and I absolutely adore this boy!

Three

This last week we were talking about Carolina being in Kindergarten next year. She got so excited and wanted to start school now. I decided to print some letter worksheets and found some workbooks that I had bought.



Next thing I knew I was teacher to three. Thankfully I had a very sweet helper for Caden and Carolina. Caylea has so much patience and loves helping the little one's with their pages.



I was so proud and happy that this lasted all week. In fact Carolina didn't want to stop any of the days. I think she would of liked to work all day.



I hate to admit it however I hadn't worked with Carolina and Caden with their letters and sounds since last spring. It was a sweet surprise that after a tiny review they remembered all of them. I think the first day Caden missed one and he was gently corrected by his big sister Carolina. It's so nice to see my kids with a thirst for learning. I know that this week it was new so the excitement may not last. I would be okay if Caden only wants to have minimal participation long term. I hope Carolina keeps her excitement though. After all if she was born a few short months earlier she would be in kindergarten right now.

Caylea the Dog Trainer

Caylea has surprised me with her interest in all things animal. She watches tv shows on dog training and then works with our dogs. She is so smart.

It is funny also because I will catch her setting the dvr to record things (all things Animal Planet!) So I really have to watch that. Most things are okay but some of it just isn't for a 7 year old.

It is no surprise that Caylea can get the dogs to do tricks and follow commands using dog treats. The surprising part is when she runs out (I do have to set a limit at some point) she can get the dogs to do things for ice and get this leaves. Yes crunchy leaves or even little sticks. They want them so bad!

I have no doubt that when my daughter grows up she will work with animals in some way.

Our Hill

Anthony may think that our hill in the back yard is good for nothing. After all he does have to mow it. However our three children have different opinions. The other evening I caught two of them using our hill for joy.

Carolina riding the truck down the hill (Caylea was also doing this but I guess I didn't get a picture)



Caden rolling down the hill

Terrific Tuesday

Well these pictures weren't actually taken on a Tuesday. However it was a terrific day. It was actually on a Friday . . .I don't think I have mentioned near enough just how much we miss the OKC Zoo. Terribly! However we are blessed to have a science museum near by in Shreveport. So Friday we packed up and decided to pay the Sci-Port a visit. The kids always want to stop and play in the fountains across the street from the sci-port right next to the red river and a beautiful walking path. So Friday we took a wonderful walk. We even walked down on the dock and (tried) to feed the ducks a taco.

Next we walked around the path to the fountains. We didn't have swim suits however I thought the kids could put their hands in the water without soaking themselves. The girls are more than capable however Caden is not. . .lol I learned that one the hard way! Still fun though! Then we walked across the street to the sci-port. We always have a lot of fun there. In the kids section they had markers and coloring sheets set up at a table. Caylea and Carolina colored for a long time. Carolina has been in a marker stage so I was not too surprised by this. After we were there a few hours we went down stairs and going home was the next stop. I was looking forward to some quite time and maybe even a nap (yeah right. . .lol) We stopped by the sand table and while there the girls started talking to another little girl. Then I started chatting with her Mom. Next thing I know 2 hours had passed. However we did exchange phone numbers and a plan to get the kids together again soon for a play date. It is so funny I don't know if it's the state as this has happened twice or if I am some how just giving off the vibe that I need friends. Either way it was a very nice time and I feel very blessed.

Here is a video of the kids down on the boat dock at the Red River separating Bossier City and Shreveport, LA.



The girls checking out a map

Destination Unknown. . .Ruston, LA

Saturday Daddy chose another Destination Unknown. Funny we have figured out that our oldest child does not like surprises.

When we said we were going to a destination unknown. Of course Caden was the most excited because He loves to ride in Daddy's truck.

We drove to Ruston, LA. What was there you might ask. Well it was a university. . .Louisiana Tech University. So the kids thought it was pretty cool.

Honestly though if you know me you know that I am not big into sports however I think it ended up pretty neat. There were a few guys there working on the grounds. Anthony asked and they let us bring the kids in for a few pictures. I have no doubt that we will go for a game as it was only about an hour away.

Caden loved it the most!

New Look

Anthony didn't like the last Picture I had on my blog. He said it looked like Caden had lipstick on. After he pointed it out I agreed. So I changed it . . .

A trip to the pool

We went to the pool yesterday. We got to swim for a little while before short heavy rain interrupted. We all got out. Caylea and Caden enjoyed playing in the rain and splashing in the puddles. Carolina sat she was upset about the thunder. When it slowed down a bit she got up and had some fun in the sprinkles. It only lasted about 20-30 minuted. I let the kids get in the small pool for a little bit before we came home.

Here are a few pictures I edited in Light room.

Tickle Football

We were eating dinner last night at the dinning room table. Anthony had turned on the TV to a football game. We were all chatting with each other about our day and what we were going to do in the evening. Caden all of a sudden said "When I grow up I want to "tickle" him". Makes you wonder if he thinks the guys on tv playing football are really tickling each other?

I love being a Mom to these precious 3.

I didn't know

mo


I didn't know that a 7 year old animal lovin' little lady could turn her Mother's germaphobic ways and make her love animals ALMOST as much as she does. So much has it changed my ways that the smallest of our fur babies sleeps in my bed right next to me. He is my little boy as much as I love Misty and Maxx they just aren't "mine".

I didn't know that if you have 3 dogs you have to have 3 different types of dog food. Misty has to have Pedigree weight control, Maxx of course has to have Pedigree Puppy Food and Tiger eats Pedigree for small breads. Crazy!

I never knew how fast puppies grew. I think the Puppy food is doing it's job I thought babies grew fast that is nothing compared to how much Maxx has grown in the past 3 weeks. I guess it makes since if they are basically full grown in 1 year.

I never knew I could be the kind of person to happily support my husband in a wonderful job opportunity and move 7 hours from my home and all those that I love. I just really didn't think I had that inside of me.

I never knew how much I would miss the one's I love and how things would be so different. I am so busy, they are so busy and we don't get to talk near as often as I would like.

I never knew how much a phone call would mean to me when the people that truly love me take the time to call and show they really truly care! Even from so far away!

I wonder?

I wonder if it's weird that every time I see a funeral procession I cry. I try not to but I can't help it. . .or when I see a child doing some performance that obviously took training and natural ability tears just fall right out of my eyes! In fact I cry while watching TV so often my husband makes fun of me by showing fake support! "Oh Honey are you going to be okay" while gently patting my sholder!

I wonder if I should share that I had to take 2 of my children for their annual well child check ups recently. New pediatrician new things. This Pediatrician does annual tests which include a finger stick. One of said children saw the other child have this done and decided it was for the birds. Said child locked herself in the bathroom. It took us 15 minutes to unlock the door - another 15 minutes of myself and 4 nurses trying to talk said child into coming out from under the sink. Didn't happen so said child had her finger stuck while under the sink in the bathroom. The sweet nurse whom was so patient took said child and gave her about 50 stickers.

If you would like share with me what you never knew or maybe what you wonder I would love to hear them.

3

Three kids and three dogs. . .mean these things walk themselves. . .I am just along for the ride

If you. . .

If you ever need a laugh you should watch Wipe out that show is about as funny as it comes. I find it's a good anxiety and stress reliever if I can get myself to laugh! And even better my kids and husband love it also so family laughing at it's best

If you ever just need to say ahhh. . .that so so cute you should check out this blog! http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

Just thought I would share

Destination Unknown. . .Natchitoches, LA

We told the kids last week that Saturday we were taking a trip. It would be our second Destination Unknown. . .the first attempt didn't work out perfectly so we were going to try again. The Farm in Coushatta (here is the link http://edlesterfarms.com/ ) was closed when we went which happened to be on a Sunday.

Well that is what I thought the plan was until we were in the truck driving. . .driving and Anthony let me know that we were not going where we had discussed that he wanted to show us something else. So there it was I had no idea where we were. I got mildly sick as I didn't take the motion sickness med's soon enough . . .one of these days I will remember)

I really wish I could upload the video from Anthony's phone I just happened to be recording the kids saying Coushatta and Natchitoches when I figured it out. So fun!!

So first we drove down by the Cane River. I saw old men fishing under bridges and kids playing it was a really laid back town. We stopped by this deck over the river so we could take pictures. I think it's so sweet of my hubby when he is out working in different area's of Louisiana to think "Chan would love to take pictures of the kids in this area" and then take me there. I love it!

I have so much to learn about taking pictures and editing them. However it was fun messing around.








Next we drove by the house that Steel Magnolias was shot in. I am sure there were other area's in town where the movie was filmed however we didn't go looking for them. I know the spot where they shot the Easter Egg scene we drove by there.






After that we found a place to have lunch. That happened to be KFC. Then we drove around town a little more and headed home. It was a very nice, relaxing, laid back day with my family.

Time For School

So here we find ourselves in Louisiana. Not only are we in Louisiana but it's time for school to start. This year has been quite difficult to figure out our plan. When we were in Oklahoma I had no doubt home schooling was the way for us. However with the move and hearing how great this school was. I was challenged to figure out what is best for Caylea. After a lot of prayer and looking into all of my options we have decided that Home schooling at least one more year is the best for Caylea. Our plan is to pray and just see where God leads us next year. Carolina will be starting school next year and then Caden the year after.



It is so easy to be Caylea's teacher. She is such a smart girl and just "gets" it. There are things mostly social that a school environment would benefit Caylea. However I also know that there are plenty of Home school groups out there that she could get the same thing from (and church groups) and have the advantage of a one on one teacher. Even though I am nervous about teaching two and eventually three children at home. I know that if it is truly God's will He will give me the patience and knowledge to complete the task.

I do know that home schooling is not for everyone but it is for my family at least this year. I can't really say what the future holds as no one else can either. However I do have peace about this years decision! I thank my Father in Heaven for that because only He can give that to me!

We are using A beka it is an awesome curriculum. We use A beka for every subject except Math for math we use Math u see. Here is an example of Caylea's work books of course there is only one reader there she has 7 or 8 of them for the year.



Also Caylea reads library books. She is finishing this one up right now. She reads one or two chapters a day and then I ask her the comprehension questions to make sure she is getting what she is reading.



This year my plan is to teach Carolina to read. A friend gave us the hooked on phonics set she used for her Daughter. I used 100 easy lessons to teach your child to read to each Caylea when she was 4. However Caylea was easy because she had already taught herself to sound out simple words at 2 and 3 years old. Carolina I am sure has it in her. . .if I can just get her to sit still for a minute. Caden may get a shot at that also. . .

I am encouraged by what this school year holds for my children. It is awesome as a Mother to get to see them just get the things you are teaching them. Getting to see them first hand learning is not something I am sure I want to give up. At least not the early years. God has a plan and I will seek the best learning environment for my 3 blessings.

I hope your day is blessed and please remember Ashley Kate, her family and doctors in your prayers. Thank you!

Calm

That is the word I would use to describe our life right now. As calm as it can be with 3 small children and 3 dogs. That is about all we have going on lately.

Caylea started school this morning. It was so nice to fill the morning with something familiar.

I called the Bossier Parish School Board to see how to apply to home school. Basically there are two ways and I won't get into that on here however thankfully it's easy. So I will complete that tomorrow.

This last weekend we had Daniel come in town for a few days. Anthony and Daniel had a great time and ended the visit with watching the fight Saturday night. Ellen and Charles came in Saturday so they were here for the fight also and I think Charles enjoyed the fight. Ellen and I played Wahoo with the girls. It was a lot of fun! I really love that game! We played it again Sunday night with Charles and Anthony. It was nice. While Charles and Ellen were here we also went swimming at the pool. I think everyone enjoyed it.

Ellen worked with Caylea at the pool. She somehow got her to "swim" with her floaties off. Caylea will only do this in an area she can touch. Which actually makes me feel better. She practiced this today also. They all three were jumping in off of the steps today also. It was very amusing to this Mommy.

Last night we went to the mall. Anthony wanted to get the kids and himself some Saints gear. We only found Caylea a jersey and hat. He got a shirt . . .they said the toddler things would be coming in soon.

There is just not much else going on around here. Now that all of our company is gone there is just a lot of being outside, walking the dogs in the evening, going to the pool and just being a family.

Here are some pictures I have recently taken.










I love my dogs. Here is Tiger and Maxx playing this last weekend. It is so funny to watch them all three play. It is a good thing that we have one young puppy and two a little older dogs. Even that being the case Maxx still finds times when neither want to play with him. I remember when we got Maxx he was a good inch or more shorter than Tiger. Now already just two weeks later he is more than an inch taller. I have a feeling he is going to be a good size dog. He is such a cutie . . .I hope no matter how large he gets his boxer traits will continue to show through.




I wanted to request that you pray for Ashley tomorrow please. She is having a surgery at 1 PM tomorrow and it is important that it is successful in order for her to get home quickly. Thank you so much I know her family appreciates all of the support. You should visit her blog and leave encouragement for her Mom if you feel so led.

http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/