Changes and Challenges

Wow! It's been 2 months since I posted!! Sorry to the 2 people who actually read this :)

It has been a whirlwind! In August, Caleb went to Kenya for a mission trip for two weeks. During that time, the kids and I went on a "Tour of Texas"...there was no way I was staying here for two weeks alone with two kids!!

Caleb got home on Friday, and on the following Monday, Curry started Pre-K!! I love that OK has public school pre-k for everyone! He really enjoys it. We had a few tears the first few days, but this week has been much better.

First day of school breakfast

Ready to go! Such a big boy!

Then this week, Sophie started Mother's Day Out. Caleb took her on her first day (no pics, sorry!) and said she didn't cry, but was teary-eyed. She told me she loved it!

I took her Thursday, and had to ask for a hug and kiss because she was ready to go in to her room! I think she loves it!

And my challenge for myself for September is to get back into shape! I started the 30-Day Shred, no more soda, and watching my portions. I needed a fresh start...and to be able to fit in my jeans when the time comes!! 

I hope fall brings cooler weather and more time with family!

Life Lately

In a word, since my last post, life has been CrAzY!!!!!

I picked up the kids on a Thursday, then surprised them by driving to Falls Creek to see Caleb and the youth at camp. We spent the night and had a blast getting to hang out and spend time with everyone. 

We drove home Friday during nap time (the second best time to travel....following bedtime!), and got settled back in at home. Caleb got home around 1am (I think...I was sleeping!), so we were all under one roof again!

I had to work on Saturday, so Caleb got some quality time with the kids, which was good because they had really missed him.

Then, as always, on Sunday, I am a church widow. Caleb leaves before the kids get up, which leaves me to get everyone fed, dressed and out the door....all with a smile on our face (at least by the time we walk through the doors at church)! :)  Around 3:30, I got a call from my sister that she was in labor. She had 2 contractions on the phone during our 10 minute conversation, so this was the real deal! I was so excited, and began getting things together, planning to leave the next morning to go meet my new niece. We have our small group on Sunday nights from 5:30 to late. I got a text during small group that she was here!!!! 

My rock star baby sister was dilated to an 8 when she got to the hospital!!! No drugs, no nothing. Dr broke her water, and after 13 minutes of pushing, Lucy Jane Ellis was born!! 

Isn't she beautiful?! I love her so much and I am so looking forward to watching her grow, and to see how close she and Sophie grow to be. Curry and Richard are double trouble....and I expect the same out of these two!

So in order to see her ASAP, we left around 10pm on Sunday and arrived at Matt and Michelle's at 4am on Monday morning. And since our kids slept the whole way, they were up by 8am!!! So we spent Monday between the hospital visiting and hanging out at the house with Richard, then swimming at the hotel that evening. Because I had to work Wednesday and Caleb has church, we left at naptime Tuesday to make the trip home, arriving just in time to bathe and go to bed. 

Then started Fireworks!!!! Our church youth group runs a fireworks stand every year for the 10 days preceding the 4th of July. And it has to be manned 24 hours a day. So Caleb has been there all day every day, except for the 30 minute break in the evening when he gets to come home to shower. If we want to see him, we have to go there. So we have been a little out of our routine.....and will probably stay that way for the remainder of the summer. This is the life of a youth minister's family!

Here is one more pic of Lucy Jane with her Aunt Mindy and Uncle Caleb 

Have a Happy and Safe 4th!

Week of Freedom

I dropped the kids off with Mammy today (my mom). They will be at my parents house for 4 days, then go to Caleb's parents for 4 days. Do you know what that means????

FREEDOM!!!

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids dearly.....but sometimes a girl needs a break! Caleb asked what I wanted to do while they were gone. My first response: Sleep in past 6:30! I have two VERY early risers, so I am looking forward to catching up on my sleep.

Another thing I want to do while the kids are gone is go on a date with my husband. I honestly don't remember the last time we went on a real date, just the two of us. Isn't that sad? So we will make the best of the few days we get with each other.

I also plan to clean out the kids rooms while they are gone. Curry got a bad trait from me....he is a pack-rat. Everything has sentimental value. So this will be a good time to de-clutter. And usually once I am in that "mode"....anything goes!

But most of all, I am looking forward to getting them back next week. I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures with their grandparents and the memories they will make. They are going to be so busy, they won't have time to miss us!

Potty Training Boot Camp

Last Thursday, May 26th, we started Potty Training Boot Camp with Sophie. It has been, in one word, challenging!! She is VERY strong willed and wants to do things her way. Day 1 went well, days 2&3 went pretty well, and then things went downhill! She decided to start bucking herself off the potty, kicking, screaming and anything else to not have to sit there. I was ready to throw in the towel last night!!!

I potty trained Curry just after he turned 2, when Sophie was a newborn. By day 3, he had it mastered! Everyone said that girls are easier than boys, so I thought I would have it made this time. On the contrary! So I was giving her (and myself) one week to get it down. Today, she has it!!!!! She finally told me she does not want the potty seat on, she wants to sit only on the toilet seat. She has had NO interest in the small potty we have. So I am just going with it! No accidents all day (so far), no meltdowns (on either party), and a nice calm house!

Here is a picture of my little potty girl after her first time to peepee on the potty! Thank goodness for iPods!!!!

New blog!

Ok....I'm going to try out the blogging world! I know, I know...it's old by now. Just thought it would be a good way to keep in touch with family and friends, near and far! I will try my best to put pics of the kids up and update you all on our latest shenanigans! Happy reading!